The Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life: Perspectives from a Veteran

The transition from military to civilian life can be a bumpy road, even for those who served long and hard. Like many veterans, my return to civilian life in 1970 Vietnam wasn’t particularly difficult. However, one thing that always jarred me was the stark contrast in how my friends and I perceived our lives. To them, it was just another day of 'Hey! What you been up to I haven’t seen you around for a while?' and 'Nothin' much. How about you?'

Two decades after my initial departure, my return to civilian life wasn’t smooth. Despite serving 27 years in the U.S. Army, I ended up spending an additional 27 years in active duty. By the time I retired, I had suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to various incidents and witnessed traumas during my service, and also grappled with health issues stemming from two bullet wounds.

Navigating Religions and Politics in the Modern World

If I had to pick one of the most challenging aspects of being a civilian after my time as a career soldier, it would be dealing with incorrect preconceptions and stereotypes people have about my religious affiliation and political views.

I’m a Christian, but not the American Evangelical variety that some people might assume from my military background. Similarly, my political affiliations do not align with the conservative views that are often attributed to veterans. I made my stance on politics clear by not supporting Donald Trump and voting for Democratic candidates like George McGovern in 1972 and every subsequent election.

The challenge I face is often met with skepticism and even distrust. When I express my beliefs, people often respond with phrases like, 'You’re lying and you clearly never have served in the military.' These responses are deeply distressing and reflect the persistent stereotypes that many veterans must confront in their civilian lives.

Transitioning and Separation Procedures

The transition process can be overwhelming, especially for those who have served for a long time. Several years after my initial departure from Vietnam, I faced a unique challenge when transitioning back to civilian life for good. After retirement, the process of receiving all the necessary documents back in the United States was cumbersome. I remember spending at least three days at the Separation Center in Oakland, California, without sleep, before finally being discharged and heading home.

Once I arrived at home, however, things seemed to settle down. Emotional and psychological barriers can take time to navigate, but the initial hurdles of securing proper documentation and processing leave behind a lasting impact on one's transition experience.

Conclusion: Navigating the civilian world after a long military career can be fraught with challenges. From combating stereotypes and misconceptions to dealing with the real and often unseen scars of service, the journey is complex and multifaceted. As veterans, we must continue to advocate for better understanding and support in our transition to civilian life.

Keywords: military to civilian transition, PTSD, veteran challenges, veteran stereotypes