Experience of Transition From the Military for Post-9/11 Combat Veterans

Abstract

Suicide rates for post-9/11 veterans are alarmingly high, especially within the first 3 years of transition from the military. High stress during transition is linked to occupational dysfunction and suicidal ideation. Combat veterans report more difficult transitions than non-combat veterans but have received little attention. This study aimed to understand the transition experience from the military for post-9/11 combat veterans. A phenomenological method was used to describe the lived experience of transition from the military for post-9/11 combat veterans. Data collection included interviews and coding of transcriptions until data saturation was met at nine participants and themes were developed. Main themes included Having Expectations, Confronting Barriers, Identity Crisis, Employing Coping Mechanisms, and Filling a Void. This study highlights the challenges faced by post-9/11 combat veterans transitioning from the military, emphasizing the role of occupational identity and the importance of engagement in meaningful occupations during this transition.

Plain Language Summary

How Post-9/11 Combat Veterans Experience Transition to Civilian Life

Suicide rates for veterans that served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (post-9/11) are alarmingly high. Most of these suicides occur during the time a veteran is transitioning from the military to the civilian context. High stress experienced by veterans during transition is associated with decreased participation in everyday life, decreased well-being, and suicidal ideation. Combat veterans report more difficult transitions than non-combat veterans, but their transition experiences have not been specifically studied. To understand the transition experience from active duty to civilian life for post-9/11 combat veterans, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews, asking the veterans about their experience of transition from the military. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed until common themes emerged. The study revealed that all veterans experienced five common experiences during their transition from military to civilian life: (a) Having Expectations, (b) Confronting Barriers, (c) Identity Crisis, (d) Employing Coping Mechanisms, and (e) Filling a Void. Veterans anticipated that their military-acquired abilities would be applicable in civilian settings, but they encountered obstacles. These challenges triggered identity crises, leading to the adoption of both constructive and destructive coping strategies. Ultimately, veterans discovered ways to utilize their skills through meaningful civilian pursuits that provided them with a sense of purpose. This research underscores the difficulties encountered by combat veterans from the post-9/11 era as they reintegrate into civilian society. It stresses the importance of tackling both existential and activity-related identity issues within programs designed to assist veterans in their transition. The results indicate that encouraging participation in activities centered around service may assist combat veterans in discovering purpose within civilian life.