"A veteran is a person who has significant experience (and is usually adept and esteemed) and expertise in an occupation or field."
Study of the challenges faced by returning veterans and their reintegration into civilian life.
Military culture: Understanding the unique culture and values of the military is important when working with veterans. It includes such things as rank structure, chain of command, and the mission-focused mindset.
Trauma and PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue among veterans. It is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for PTSD is important.
Military sexual trauma: This type of trauma affects both male and female veterans and is often underreported. Understanding the impact of military sexual trauma on veterans and the available resources for treatment and support is essential.
Traumatic brain injury: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. TBI is a common injury among military personnel and can be difficult to diagnose. Understanding the symptoms and available treatment options is important.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse can be a common problem among veterans as a result of combat-related stress, PTSD, and other issues. Understanding the causes of substance abuse and the available treatment options is important.
Suicide prevention: Suicide rates among veterans are high, and understanding the warning signs and available resources for prevention is important.
Benefits and entitlements: Veterans are entitled to a variety of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Understanding these benefits and how to access them is important.
Employment and education: Many veterans struggle with finding employment and continuing their education after leaving the military. Understanding the available resources and support for veterans in these areas is important.
Housing and homelessness: Homelessness is a significant issue among veterans, and understanding the causes and available resources for housing and support is important.
Family and social support: Veteran’s reintegration often involves changes in the family dynamic and social support network. Understanding the impact of military service on family and social relationships and available resources for support and counseling is important.
Physical and mental health problems: Veterans often face physical and mental health issues, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and non-battle injuries, that can affect their overall well-being and quality of life.
Employment and job training: Many Veterans struggle to find and maintain a job due to their military occupation, service-connected disabilities, lack of civilian work experience or qualifications, or discrimination. Job training, education, and vocational rehabilitation programs can help Veterans acquire new skills and transition to civilian jobs.
Homelessness and housing insecurity: Some Veterans are at risk of homelessness or lack affordable and stable housing due to various factors, such as financial instability, mental health issues, substance abuse, or social isolation. Homeless assistance programs, transitional housing, and supportive services can help Veterans obtain and maintain safe and permanent housing.
Education and training: Veterans may need or desire additional education or training to pursue their career goals or hobbies. Various education and training benefits, such as the GI Bill, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and tuition assistance, can support Veterans' academic and professional development.
Family and social relationships: The military service can strain or disrupt Veterans' family and social connections, leading to issues such as marital problems, family conflict, loneliness, or disconnection from civilian society. Counseling, support groups, and family services can help Veterans and their families navigate these challenges.
Legal issues: Veterans may face legal challenges related to their military service, such as disability claims, appeals, discharge upgrades, or legal proceedings. Legal assistance programs, such as the Veterans Justice Outreach Program, offer legal representation and advocacy for Veterans in need.
Substance abuse and addiction: Some Veterans struggle with substance abuse or addiction, often as a coping mechanism for physical or mental pain or stress. Substance abuse treatment and counseling can help Veterans recover and maintain sobriety.
Financial and economic issues: Veterans may face financial challenges, such as debt, bankruptcy, foreclosure, or limited access to credit. Financial counseling, debt management, and benefits and entitlements assistance can help Veterans improve their financial stability and security.
Disability and healthcare benefits: Veterans are entitled to various disability and healthcare benefits, such as VA healthcare, disability compensation, pension, and insurance. However, navigating the VA system and accessing these benefits can be complex and confusing for some Veterans.
Cultural and societal integration: Veterans may struggle to reintegrate into civilian society or feel a sense of disconnect from their non-Veteran peers or communities. Cultural and societal integration programs, such as peer support, mentorship, and community service, can help Veterans reconnect with their communities and find a sense of purpose and belonging.
"A military veteran is a person who is no longer in a military."
"A military veteran that has served directly in combat in a war is further defined as a war veteran."
"Not all military conflicts, or areas in which armed combat took place, are necessarily referred to as wars."
"Military veterans are unique as a group as their lived experience is so strongly connected to the conduct of war in general and application of professional violence in particular."
"Griffith with colleagues provides an overview of this research field that addresses veterans' general health, transition from military service to civilian life, homelessness, veteran employment, civic engagement, and veteran identity as recurrent investigative topics in the field."
"General health" is a recurrent investigative topic in the field of studying veterans.
"The transition from military service to civilian life" is a recurrent investigative topic in the field of studying veterans.
"Homelessness" is a recurrent investigative topic in the field of studying veterans.
"Veteran employment" is a recurrent investigative topic in the field of studying veterans.
"Civic engagement" is a recurrent investigative topic in the field of studying veterans.
"Veteran identity" is a recurrent investigative topic in the field of studying veterans.
"The term 'veteran' originates from the Latin word 'vetus' meaning 'old'."
"A veteran is a person who has significant experience (and is usually adept and esteemed) and expertise in an occupation or field."
"Their lived experience is so strongly connected to the conduct of war in general and application of professional violence in particular."
"There are a large body of knowledge developed through centuries of scholarly studies..."
"...that seek to describe, understand and explain their lived experience in and out of service."
"...veterans' general health..."
"...transition from military service to civilian life..."
"...veteran identity..."