Military Transition
Dennis Willie • April 20, 2023
What's it like getting out of the military?
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a challenging experience for veterans, and there are several difficulties that they may face during this transition. Here are some of the most common difficulties that veterans face:
- Culture shock: Military culture is often very different from civilian culture, and veterans may experience culture shock as they try to adjust to life outside of the military.
- Lack of structure: In the military, daily routines and schedules are very structured. When transitioning to civilian life, veterans may struggle with the lack of structure and may find it difficult to adjust to a more flexible schedule.
- Employment: Finding employment can be a major challenge for veterans, particularly if they have been in the military for an extended period of time and have limited civilian work experience.
- Financial difficulties: Many veterans struggle financially after leaving the military, particularly if they have not secured employment. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Mental health: Veterans may experience a range of mental health issues as they transition back to civilian life, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Relationship difficulties: Relationships can be strained during the transition period, particularly if the veteran's family and friends do not understand or support their experiences in the military.
- Healthcare: Veterans may struggle to access healthcare after leaving the military, particularly if they do not have health insurance or if the healthcare system is unfamiliar to them.
These difficulties can have a significant impact on a veteran's well-being and quality of life, and it is important for society to support veterans during their transition to civilian life.