The Transition Experiences of British Military Veterans

Abstract

The aim of the current research was to investigate the transition experiences of British military veterans upon exiting the military and rejoining civilian society, asking the specific research question: What effect does the transition from military to civilian life have on the individual's identity? Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed and seven semistructured interviews were carried out with ex-military personnel. Analysis of the data revealed three superordinate themes: (1) Several Selves: Identity; (2) Soldier and Society: Separation, and (3) Transition Time: Personal Perspective. Current findings suggest that transition from the military back to civilian life is often problematic, with identity complications, feelings of loss, and disconnection both from the military and from society in general. Individuals with a more salient military identity had more difficult transition experiences. Findings are discussed with reference to theories of identity formation, maintenance, and salience and recommendations for future research are made.

Systematic review of mental health disorders and intimate partner violence victimisation among military populations

“…Research is also emerging showing higher rates of mental health and social problems among veterans than among active duty personnel [ 41 , 111 ]. A number of factors may contribute to this, such as the impact of transition [ 37 , 112 ], loss of role or identity [ 30 ], and fragmentation of the social support network enjoyed in the military [ 113 ]. These factors could lead to the apparent increased association between IPV and mental health problems among veterans compared to active duty personnel.…”

“…The experience of military service and the consequences of some of these stressors can continue to impact on relationships long after the serving person has left the Armed Forces [ 20 – 29 ]. Transitioning out of the military is also associated with a range of additional psychosocial stressors [ 30 – 35 ] and veterans have been shown to report high levels of some mental health problems [ 36 – 41 ]. It should, therefore, not be assumed that the correlates of IPV are consistent across civilian and military couples [ 42 , 43 ] and they may even differ between military couples with an active serving partner and those with a partner who is a veteran [ 5 , 41 ].…”

Outside the Military “Bubble”: Life After Service for UK Ex-armed Forces Personnel

“…Avoiding or not being able to access help as and when needed, links the stories of these participants. Participants can feel connected to their surroundings if they are still able to engage with and contribute in some way to the world while they are still in service and to continue valuing veterans' contributions when they transition out of service (64). Through sharing these narratives in non-clinical settings, veterans can influence interventions that may support them not only psychologically, but in social situations and for practical purposes (65).…”

Adapting CBT to treat depression in Armed Forces Veterans: qualitative study

“…However, whilst being aware of limitations associated with classifying activities for others within an idiographic model of behavioural activation (Richards, 2010), 'Necessary' activities were predominantly identified in this study as being amongst the first to be avoided by AF Veterans. This is of particular concern given that failing to complete these activities can have significant negative impacts and represent an especially important consideration during the transition of AF Veterans into civilian life (Binks and Cambridge, 2018). Although most AF Veterans cope well with this transition (Iversen and Greenberg, 2009), there is a significant minority who experience difficulties (Iversen et al, 2005).…”