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Impact of Role Exit: Problems Associated with Leaving the Armed Forces

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Military Identity and the Transition into Civilian Life

Abstract

The literature engages with the process of military exit from a number of perspectives, viewing it as a status passage and/or an influence on life course, but often more as a problem. This chapter explores two main categories associated with role exit: problems with wellbeing (including mental health) and problems associated with reintegration into the civilian workforce. In the first half of the chapter, we review the literature on the relationship between military exit and homeliness. Homelessness in veterans appears to be mediated by a number of interrelated factors which includes relationship breakdown—it is often the case that prolonged absence from the family during service leads to partner resentment and eventual separation. Financial difficulties and being forced to leave temporary accommodation with friends/family also account for homelessness. In the second half of the chapter, we explore the issues relating to finding a civilian job and the potential for the civilian world to misunderstand the military skill (and mind) set. We conclude with a short overview of how psychologists might help with these issues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    Kevin M. Wilson-Smith

  2. Department of Psychology, City University London, London, UK

    Philip J. Corr

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  1. Kevin M. Wilson-Smith
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  2. Philip J. Corr
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Correspondence to Kevin M. Wilson-Smith .

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Wilson-Smith, K.M., Corr, P.J. (2019). Impact of Role Exit: Problems Associated with Leaving the Armed Forces. In: Military Identity and the Transition into Civilian Life. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12338-3_6

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