Confronting Challenges: Understanding the Role of DOD and VA Programs for Transitioning Post 9/11 Veterans

Abstract

This study highlights post 9/11 military veterans’ transition into civilian life, identifying the systematic challenges that post 9/11 veterans face as they navigate transition programs designed to ease their integration into civilian life. Given the increasing number of combat and non-combat military personnel transitioning, the system is becoming taxed with a large surge of military personnel exiting every year, most of whom are post-9/11 veterans. Eleven post 9/11 veterans were interviewed to expand the discussion on their challenges experienced during their transition. The challenges included the lack of information regarding higher education, an absence of instructor knowledge and credibility, forgetting veterans are individuals, understanding VA healthcare to include mental health support, understanding VA benefits and the overall effectiveness of TAP to promote goals, plans, and success. The research suggests the programs put in place by the DOD and VA create additional challenges for transitioning veterans into the civilian world.