Challenges Facing Military Veterans After Service

Serving the military is one of the greatest honors anyone can do for the country. It involves a very high level of risk to oneself, and impacts hundreds and thousands of families. Completing service and getting an honorable discharge are things to aspire for, but coming home well and safe to the family is always the best reward.

However, it is no secret that going on duty is far from glamorous. It is life-threatening in every way, and can have long-lasting effects on one’s psychological health and well-being. It is for this reason that many military veterans find it very difficult to go back to civilian life.

Here are some of the more common challenges that our brave servicemen and women encounter after their service. 

Health and Safety

The most imminent risk posed to those in military service is to their health and safety. They literally are placed in the line of fire, which could be potentially fatal. Injuries can be so severe as to result in permanent physical damages.

In certain cases, they contract illnesses because of exposure to harmful elements. Mesothelioma, the cancer associated with exposure to asbestos, for example, is one of the more common illnesses that can be contracted on the field. Conducting operations in old structures, with no context or information as to its construction history, could lead them to prolonged exposure.

It is important to learn more about this condition to be aware of the signs and symptoms involved.

Career Shift

Many individuals who enter the military do so at a young age. The earliest possible age of enlistment is 17, which would mean that they would have missed out on college while in the military.

Although there are opportunities for education in the service, the demands of the job make it impossible to do anything else. Upon getting out of service, therefore, a vacuum suddenly exists. What else can they do now that they’re back outside?

Many military veterans suffer from this sudden change. That’s why having a plan and the right support system to carry this out is important.

Family and Personal Relations

Homecomings are always special, but what is not usually seen in public are the difficulties that could result from it. Many military veterans have had to leave young children behind, who are then all grown up by the time they come back. Relationships have yet to be established, and in the case of the spouse, rekindled.

Some suffer from severe trauma from the field such that they become withdrawn, detached, or socially impaired, which impacts the rest of their relationships. Counseling and treatment may be helpful, as necessary.