What’s your experience readjusting to civilian life back home?

2016-07-28T14:24:16-04:00

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Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 28 at 2016 2:26 PM

2016-07-28T14:26:09-04:00

A few of my friends had a little problem, but friends and family helped out a lot.

Response by SGT David Crutchfield made Jul 28 at 2016 2:27 PM

2016-07-28T14:27:07-04:00

Been 8 years, still adjusting

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Jul 28 at 2016 2:35 PM

2016-07-28T14:35:02-04:00

It's a very long and arduous transition most times, especially if discharged and not retired. The thing that help me most was going to college and immersing myself into the academic studies at the college. I was able to talk with VA Job counselors, VA Benefits personnel and also found out what other opportunities that were available to me as a veteran. I even talked with other veterans and joined the reserves and eventually retired from it. After joining the reserves, my transition was aided by the fact that I could actually enjoy some of the camaraderie I experienced in my active duty units. You dont transition all at once but gradually, but once you make it you've made it and you're better for it.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Jul 28 at 2016 3:59 PM

2016-07-28T15:59:22-04:00

I was really lost. I had no place to go. Because I was also dealing with health issues, I was angry. It has taken over 5 years, 2 cats, 2 horses, 3 dogs, going to school to learn something new, and a few other things to start to feel whole again. It takes time to become demilitarized.

Response by SGT David Crutchfield made Jul 28 at 2016 4:41 PM

2016-07-28T16:41:08-04:00

One day at a time

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Jul 28 at 2016 4:52 PM

2016-07-28T16:52:51-04:00

Was out for a bit over a year and couldn't handle it. Reenlisted thinking I would make it a career. Bad marriage put an end to that and my life went to hell in a handcart. Been married to my second wife for twenty eight years now. She is the blessing in my life and the one most responsible for helping me find my way home. Understand, I still have problems, but I now have someone who has stood and continues to stand by my side when I go back into my dark place.

Response by SSgt Zachary Hunter made Jul 29 at 2016 12:06 AM

2016-07-29T00:06:24-04:00

Had 3 different jobs in 7 months. Couldn't keep one. I knew how I wanted to run my crews, but they put me at the bottom and said my 9 years of leadership meant nothing. Needless to say, I told a few of my bosses off. Best thing I ever did was start school. There are a lot of vets in my classes and that definitely makes it a lot better!

Response by SGT David Ortiz-González made Jul 29 at 2016 9:20 AM

2016-07-29T09:20:30-04:00

It's difficult for everyone involved; soldiers, family, friends and even employers.

For those interested, here is an article related to the struggles of reintegration.
https://www.militaryjobnetworks.com/reintegration-challenge-war/

Reintegration: The Challenge After the War | Military Job Networks

In 2010, I deployed to Iraq with a Combat Stress Unit from Boston. I was a Behavioral Health Specialist at a Combat Stress clinic where we worked very hard in assisting service members deal with the various home front issues and deployment stressors that they are often faced with when they’re away from home. During that period, we noticed that ...

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 12:09 AM

2016-07-31T00:09:15-04:00

For me, it was the little things.

--It's been six years, and I nearly had a panic attack yesterday because I stepped outside and realized that I didn't have my cover on.
--Every time I walk past a kid with their hands in their pockets, I have to bite my lip.
--Civilians whine all the damned time over NOTHING, and they NEVER have suggestions on fixing the problems they are whining about.
--I've spoken to SO many civilians that want to start out at mid-management or higher and don't think that they should start any lower - that they DESERVE the right to start above others without paying their dues.
--The HUGE majority of civilians want to know what the minimum standards are - so they can BARELY meet those standards.
--There is no need to look for the "I" in "TEAM" - because there IS no "team" - it's nothing but every person for themselves and to hell with you.

But that hat thing worries me the most. ;)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 12:43 AM

2016-07-31T00:43:22-04:00

NG for me. I have yet to deploy, I imagine it will happen at some point during my enlistment.
I've been trying to adjust to Civilian life after BCT/AIT, and I find a lot of things annoy me. More than they used to or even things that didn't before now do. The world is slow and people are far too petty. There seems to be more people willing to screw you over.

It occasionally makes me think I made a mistake by not going AD. However when I'm with my unit I'm happy. It's almost like waking up, I guess. Like I'm back in a world that makes more sense and where people are there that will help me or have my back. Where we laugh at the same jokes.

I understand it's not like AD or being overseas and coming back, I don't want to compare it to that. I just find Civilian life to be more difficult now than it was. I have irks and annoyances now that I didn't have before and I don't feel that people are worth trusting with anything. Thankfully I have a few battles, and a brother who's also NG to help me out.

It does feel like I'm looking forward to Drills and AT more than I should be, so much so that I might try and go AGR if the option becomes available.

Response by MSG David King made Jul 31 at 2016 4:41 AM

2016-07-31T04:41:22-04:00

Having family close has made all the difference. For thirty years I dealt with frequent PCSs to all corners accept the one my family is in. Being retired has been good and my wife is working but after a year and a half I am still looking for work. It’s tough rationalizing going back to school but I think I have no choice because a bachelor's degree doesn’t get much on USAjobs.org or VA,gov.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 30 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-11-30T16:48:44-05:00

I found that my Friends were a Big help and also my Family members helped me adjust to my life outside the military.