Introduction
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a profound change, one filled with twists and turns. For many veterans, transitioning from the military to civilian life happens smoothly, bringing new opportunities and leaving them with a sense of pride in their service.
However, for other veterans, reintegration brings unexpected challenges that require support. Understanding these challenges and the paths to overcome them is essential for veterans and for those who support them.
The Initial Transition From The Military to Civilian Life
The move from a structured military environment to civilian life can be disorienting. After years (sometimes decades) of service, veterans find themselves entering an entirely different world with different rules and expectations to adjust to.
While this can be a positive time, it’s important to acknowledge that this life transition can also present genuine difficulties, particularly for those who joined the military at a young age or who served for extended periods.
These include:
- Loss of Structure: The regimented lifestyle of the military contrasts sharply with the less structured civilian world. This can lead to feelings of disarray and uncertainty, leaving some veterans questioning what their purpose outside of their military role is.
- Navigating the Civilian Job Market: It can sometimes be difficult for veterans to translate their military skills into civilian job qualifications. Some veterans won’t have experience applying and interviewing for civilian roles: something even those who have always been in the civilian workforce can find tricky, especially in today’s difficult job market.
- Mental Health Considerations: It’s important to note that military service isn’t inherently traumatic, and many veterans return without significant mental health difficulties. However, some veterans do experience psychological challenges during or after their service. Some veterans are affected by mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety as a result of what they may have experienced during their time in the military.
- Social Reintegration Difficulties: Reconnecting with family and friends and adjusting to civilian social norms can be challenging. Family and friends may have adapted to new routines, and this can be a big change for the returning veteran and their loved ones to adjust to.
When the Path Takes a Detour: Involvement with the Justice System
Unfortunately, a small percentage of veterans find themselves entangled in the justice system after they have left the military.
According to an article by Bangor University, government research estimates between 3-4% of those currently in the justice system are veterans. Veterans are less likely than the general population to offend; however, they do make up the largest single population group in the justice system.
How Difficulties Can Escalate
For some veterans, the challenges of reintegration can become completely overwhelming. Without the right support, veterans who are struggling may begin to experience problems with debt, housing insecurity, drug and/or alcohol dependency, and worsening mental health, amongst other issues.
It’s also worth noting that some veterans joined the military specifically to escape difficult circumstances, such as poverty, unstable home environments, trauma, or abuse.
For these individuals, the military may have acted as a haven from these problems and the trauma that they may have endured as a result; however, once they have left the military, the transition back to potentially unstable and unsafe living conditions might cause old patterns and traumas to resurface, increasing vulnerability to offending.
Veterans’ Experience of the Justice System
According to a paper put together by the 2014 HM Inspectorate of Prisons, veterans in the justice system were less likely than others to know where they could go for support for problems such as addiction, homelessness, and employment.
This same research found that veterans entered the justice system with notably higher rates of health issues (24% of veterans opposed to 14% of the general population) and disabilities (34% of veterans opposed to 19% of the general population). These existing vulnerabilities, combined with a lack of awareness about available support, can make the justice system particularly difficult for veterans.
This is why the work of charities like Care after Combat is so important. By not only providing assistance and support to veterans but also working to connect them with services that will help them combat the problems they may be facing.
The Double Transition: From The Justice System Back to Civilian Life
For veterans who’ve been through the justice system, release brings another significant transition. These veterans not only have to attempt to reintegrate into civilian society once again, but this time, they’re doing so whilst carrying the additional weight of a criminal record and often the same unresolved issues that contributed to their offending in the first place.
This double transition presents immense challenges. Finding employment becomes harder with a criminal record. Housing options may be limited. Relationships may have been damaged. The stigma of having been in prison can be isolating. Without ongoing support, the risk of reoffending is high.
However, with the right support, veterans can and do successfully rebuild their lives after involvement in the justice system. The key is ensuring that support doesn’t end when a veteran walks out of custody. It needs to continue for as long as it’s needed.
Supporting Successful Transitions at Every Stage
Preparing for Civilian Life While Still in Service
The most successful transitions from military to civilian life often start before a service member actually leaves the military.
Early preparation, such as attending career counselling and mental health check-ins, can help veterans identify potential challenges before they become crises.
Seeking Help Early
It can be difficult for service members to open up about issues that may affect them when they transition to civilian life. However, early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
Utilising Veteran-Specific Resources and Support Networks
Making use of resources designed for veterans who are going through these transitions can help veterans access tailored support and guidance.
Some of these resources include:
- Care after Combat
- The Royal British Legion
- Help for Heroes
- The British Army’s Service Leavers and Veterans Page
- OP COURAGE
How Care after Combat Supports Veterans Through Transition
At Care after Combat, we recognise that for some veterans, the road home takes unexpected turns. Our commitment is to walk alongside veterans wherever their journey has taken them, providing the support needed to successfully reintegrate into civilian life.
Our support doesn’t end when a veteran leaves custody. We continue working with veterans for at least one year after release, providing the consistent support that’s essential for successful reintegration and preventing reoffending. Our approach has helped reduce reoffending rates to just one-fifth of the national average.
Beyond individual mentorship, we provide:
- Regular group meetings where veterans can connect with others who’ve walked similar paths.
- Remote support services, including monthly wellbeing packs to maintain connection even in challenging moments.
- 24/7 telephone helpline is available both in the justice system and in the community.
Our support is built on our core values: we create supportive spaces where veterans feel understood rather than judged, ensure every veteran receives dedicated and personalised support, approach everyone with unconditional positive regard and compassion, and focus on strengths and possibilities rather than past mistakes.
Moving Forwards
Transitioning from military to civilian life is rarely a straightforward path, even for those who don’t end up in the justice system.
If you or someone you know is facing these challenges, you can get in touch today to discuss your situation and find out how we can offer you support.