Posted on Nov 25, 2018
Would a service be useful that links transitioning SMs with the VBA and VHA (addressing reverse cultural shock and interpersonal challenges)?
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Would it be useful for service members who are transitioning to the civilian world to have access to a service that links with the VBA and VHA to address reverse cultural shock and the interpersonal challenges that veterans face (i.e., loss of identity, grief, loss of purpose, etc.) post transition?
Tell me what you think!?
Tell me what you think!?
Transition
My Veteran Community
ETS/EAS
Mental Health
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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The plain fact of the matter is this "STUFF" needs to be mandated...to a point. Yea, I know the drill, I'm sick of standing in line and taking orders, yada yada yada. When I was in there was no such thing as transition assistance. It was sign here that you acknowledge we told you this but weren't told jack schitt. We had our discharge physicals pencil whipped and as far as VA benefits or health benefits, BUPKUS! We had to find out about that on our own. No two people handle separation the same way. The more information that can be made available the better for all in the long run.
As to MSgt Heather D comment on reservists. It needs to be mandated in my opinion. That is one group that is wearing 80 lbs of gear one day and the next is back at their civilian job. You must be advised of the pitfalls of going in and out repeatedly.
Better that you know and learn NOW than try to get benefits 40 years after the fact like those of us who served in Vietnam.
As to MSgt Heather D comment on reservists. It needs to be mandated in my opinion. That is one group that is wearing 80 lbs of gear one day and the next is back at their civilian job. You must be advised of the pitfalls of going in and out repeatedly.
Better that you know and learn NOW than try to get benefits 40 years after the fact like those of us who served in Vietnam.
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SGT Jennifer Rixe
Thank you for your feedback! Definitely some good points. I didn't get much assistance when I was ETS'ing and had to figure things out on my own as well. It's not as easy as people would like to believe... if the support is there, bonus! It makes me ill to hear stories from Vietnam vets and how much of the short end of the stick y'all have gotten. I thank you for your service SSgt Jim Gilmore
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Okay, so the cultural challenges are one thing, but I think a lot of the apprehension surrounding leaving ACTIVE service as opposed to a reservist returning to a civilian employer is that many are underprepared or feel underprepared. Unfortunately, people generally neglect their future selves, as evidenced by the poor rate of saving amongst American youth. If one is well prepared and has a well thought out transition plan and has a vision for its execution, it seems like the cultural idiosyncrasies could be managed by counselors with a VBA or though a drink with some friendly faces at a Legion or VFW post by someone who has already navigated those waters. Maslow comes to mind when thinking about this issue. Thoughts?
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SGT Jennifer Rixe
1SG (Join to see) I can see your point. Considering the age of the average service member getting out, it could very well be a matter of people neglecting their future selves. Unfortunately that piece is part of a reality of what I have been reading and learned from majority of the interviews that I have had with veterans.
I like the reference to Maslow - a lot of the research that I have done on this topic references the need for more peer support to meet these needs of transitioning service members and how a lot of veterans do not feel confident in the utilization of counseling services - the most frequent reason that I have heard or read about was the counselor not being able to relate to the veteran and not knowing the full extent of the military culture.
My thought behind this idea is to find a less stigmatizing approach to provide assistance to those who do not wish to seek mental health assistance within the VA. The population that initially crossed my mind when brainstorming this idea was those who are being med boarded - the ones that have not prepared themselves with leaving the service because it was never their intent to leave.
I like the reference to Maslow - a lot of the research that I have done on this topic references the need for more peer support to meet these needs of transitioning service members and how a lot of veterans do not feel confident in the utilization of counseling services - the most frequent reason that I have heard or read about was the counselor not being able to relate to the veteran and not knowing the full extent of the military culture.
My thought behind this idea is to find a less stigmatizing approach to provide assistance to those who do not wish to seek mental health assistance within the VA. The population that initially crossed my mind when brainstorming this idea was those who are being med boarded - the ones that have not prepared themselves with leaving the service because it was never their intent to leave.
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Depends. Is it going to mandatory or voluntary? Many times after deployments they force reservists to attend the transition assistance classes. That crap should be voluntary too. When I get home from deployment I just want to get back to my normal life not spend more time sitting there at the base for half the salary. My civilian company makes up my pay while I am deployed not while sitting at the base for useless classes.
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LTC Stephan Porter
Make it relevant and succinct and mandatory before redeployment for reservists. Tailor for each type of transition and make it mandatory.
If not then the same complaints happen in reverse!
If not then the same complaints happen in reverse!
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SGT Jennifer Rixe
LTC Stephan Porter I like the idea of tailoring it for each type of transition... I was focusing on the post transition back into civilian life but I can see how this would be beneficial for all types of transition!
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