Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
People who have served in the military are an integral part of our community. They are our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. They are our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and colleagues.
They helped us; now they need our help.
Transitioning from military service and returning to civilian life isn’t easy. It can present certain challenges for Veterans, their families, and others.
According to the Department of Defense, about 1,300 military service members, spouses and children transition into civilian communities each day.
Many Veterans have difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Without assistance, this can lead to larger problems such as joblessness, homelessness, and untreated mental health conditions.
Veterans may need assistance or simply your understanding. You can help. Become aware of some of the transition challenges that Veterans face.
What are some transition challenges?
It can be difficult for returning Service Members to:
Relate to people.
Many civilians aren’t aware of and don’t understand what military personnel have experienced.
Re-connect with family.
During extended absences, families create new routines. Veterans and their families need to adjust to the changes, and help transitioning service members re-establish a role in the family.
Become part of a community.
The military assists personnel and families adjust when they move to a new post or base. However, these services are often not in place when someone transitions from the military.
Veterans and their families need to find new ways to become part of a community.
Balance mental health challenges.
Some Veterans are disabled, and some experience ongoing mental health issues. Health conditions and other challenges include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide.
Professional help is available. Veterans are a top priority for the VA’s healthcare system.
Enter the workforce.
Some Veterans may have never had a civilian job, or have experienced the process of creating a resume, filling out an application or interviewing. They will need to learn and master new skills.
In applying for a job, a Veteran will have to determine how to
When creating a resume and applying for a job, it is key to translate military skills and duties into civilian terms.
The military uses a Field Service Record to detail qualifications, training, and experience. These is similar to resumes, however civilian examples can help craft skills and experience into new terms.
Return to employment.
National Guard or Reserve members need to adjust as they resume their previous or similar job with their employer.
Some returning Service Members, may be on the job in as little as 3 days after leaving a combat zone.
Returning to the job may include a period of catching up, learning new skills, or adjusting to a new position. It will also include adjusting to social changes that may have occurred in the workplace.
Some Veterans experience anxiety about finding new employment or possible job loss.
Adjust to a different structure.
In civilian life, there isn’t necessarily a clear chain of command and structure like there is in the military.
Veterans need to create their own structure or adjust to living in an environment with more uncertainty.
Adjust to provide for basic necessities.
In the military basic needs like food, clothing, housing are provided. There are really no choice for options.
Because of this lack of choice, the multitude of choices in the civilian world can sometimes be overwhelming.
Adjust to a new pace of life and work.
In the military, you do not leave until the mission is complete. In a private sector, you end when your shift is complete. This may take a getting use to for Veterans.
Business workplaces are often competitive environments, with jobs provided by one person. The military is structured around collaboration and teamwork.
Workplace lingo and communications will also be different.
Establish new services.
Veterans may have to learn how to get health care services. This typically includes a doctor, dentist, life insurance, etc. In the military, these services are provided.
To obtain benefits and services, Veterans may need to navigate the paperwork and process of from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
Find Benefits and Services
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