Struggling with Transition: Why Army Veterans Feel Lost After Departure
Military service is not merely a job; it's a way of life filled with structure, camaraderie, and purpose. However, the journey from a life of service to life as a civilian can be challenging, often leaving veterans feeling lost and disorientated. This article explores the reasons behind this sense of confusion and the subsequent behavioral changes seen in this demographic.
The Difficult Transition from Military to civilian Life
The transition from the military to civilian life has always been a significant challenge. Even in ancient times, structures like the benefit colonies offered retiring Roman soldiers, which resembled what we now know as retirement benefits, highlighted the importance of this transition. Only a few veterans were allowed to leave for reasons other than injuries or death. The ancients crafted a system that supported and guided soldiers through their transition, a concept far ahead of its time.
Fast forward to today, and while the modern soldier no longer has the same luxury of benefit colonies, the transition from uniformed service to the civilian workforce remains a profound experience. Once you're out of the military, you suddenly find yourself embroiled in an entirely new world of rules, politics, and expectations. The stark contrast can feel jarring, and many veterans report feeling lost as they navigate these changes.
Disorientation and Behavioral Changes
Leaving the military often leads to a period of disorientation. The stark contrast between the clear-cut rules and roles of the military and the complex, often confusing civilian world can lead to feelings of confusion and panic. Veterans may find themselves drinking, smoking, and pursuing new relationships more frequently as they struggle to adapt to a less structured and less defined environment.
Even after spending just two years in the military, I could feel the transition. Despite my shorter service, the structure and routine of daily military life were deeply ingrained. This structure is a double-edged sword; while it provides a sense of clarity and purpose, it can also make the adjustment to a civilian role feel disorienting.
Structure and Purpose in Military Life
The military life is often described as structured and purposeful. Soldiers have a defined hierarchy, daily routines, and clear roles and responsibilities. They live and breathe a life where everything is set in stone, from housing to meals to personal grooming. This structure is comforting and familiar, but it can also be restrictive.
When veterans leave the military, they often find themselves in an environment where they have to navigate their own responsibilities. They must decide on where to live, what to wear, and how to meet their daily needs. Without the guidance of the military, many veterans can feel lost. They may struggle to find direction and purpose, especially if they come from backgrounds that lacked these structures.
Broader Implications and Personal Reflections
The lack of structure and clear direction in civilian life can have a profound impact on veterans. It's not uncommon for them to feel disconnected from their previous roles and responsibilities, either with friends, family, or the community as a whole. Military service often fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that is difficult to replicate in civilian life, leading veterans to seek out similar structures and connections.
Five years out of active service, I still find myself drawn towards the military lifestyle. The clear-cut structure and purpose of military life provide a familiar framework that the civilian world often lacks. Life outside this clear-cut framework, where everyone is responsible for themselves and their actions, can be both confusing and incredibly annoying.
Every veteran's transition is unique, and the challenges they face are vast. However, understanding these challenges can help both veterans and society as a whole to better support and assist this demographic in navigating the transition from military to civilian life.