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Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

A smooth transition from military to civilian life has a direct impact on Veterans’ mental health, so supporting that move is critical. There are many reasons why Veterans may have trouble adapting to civilian life:

• Difficulty Finding Employment: Veterans may struggle to find employment after leaving the military due to a lack of civilian work experience, differences in job requirements and qualifications, and a competitive job market.
• Lack of a Sense of Purpose: The military provides a sense of purpose and direction for many Veterans, and transitioning to civilian life can leave them feeling lost or without direction.
• Financial Insecurity: Many Veterans face financial challenges after leaving the military, including difficulties accessing education benefits, housing, and healthcare.
• Difficulty Accessing Healthcare: Veterans may face challenges accessing healthcare services, including long wait times and difficulty finding providers who are knowledgeable about Veteran-specific health issues that are often not visible to the eye.
• Loss of Camaraderie and Support Network: Leaving the military means leaving behind a close-knit community and support network. This loss of camaraderie, circle of trust, and support can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Mental Health Issues: Many Veterans struggle with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and anxiety, which can make it difficult to adjust to civilian life. Almost 14% of veterans suffer from some level of PTSD in the past year and 29% will suffer at some point in their lives.

Addressing these issues and providing support for Veterans during this period can help them to make a smooth transition.

Veterans Employment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces is slightly higher than the overall unemployment rate. Veterans can face employment challenges in the private sector due to many factors, including their job skills, education level, and training. Many Veterans, particularly those from Special Operations Forces, have unique skills but they need help translating those skills to the private sector.

Veteran Suicide
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 20 Veterans die by suicide each day. It is particularly alarming that Veterans make up just 7% of the US population yet account for 15% of adult suicides.
Veterans who have recently separated from military service (within the first year) have a higher risk of suicide than Veterans who have been out of the military for longer periods, which is why a smooth transition is critical.