Do veterans have problems transitioning?

2014-11-09T20:18:53-05:00

There is an increase in homeless vets, and vets with drug problems, and many vets are panhandling here in Oregon. So, I hypothesize, that many veterans have problems transitioning to civilian life. So many factors at play. Was there family support, a spouse, some stability, and a job waiting, or was there divorce, PTSD and drug addiction issues at play. I think there needs to be an extended transition assistance program for veterans, especially for vets with combat experience and MST (rape, Sexual assault). The current transition. Program is about 1 week long. Should the VA provide an extended transition program...? Could this help with our troubled veterans...?

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 9 at 2014 8:31 PM

2014-11-09T20:31:41-05:00

I believe it's accurate to state that transitioning from active service has it's problems. I'm not convinced that just lengthening the transition programs will solve the issue. Unfortunately not every member in the transition process takes it seriously, only half-heartedly participates or pays attention and tends to think short term.

I do believe there are many different approaches that would reduce the total problem. The issue sometimes becomes no matter how much hand holding you do there are many who do not embrace the talk.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 5:50 AM

2015-01-23T05:50:24-05:00

I feel part of the problem is that in society today, and with the current generation, is that it someone else's issue. There is little personal responsibility in many of the young soldiers, NCOs, and Officers when they fail at a task because they have not been held accountable for failing, for the majority of individuals. This goes on and on over and over again. I know that some responsibility rests in the leadership and organization, but there has to be some personal responsibility.

Response by Cpl Sean Farquharson made Mar 20 at 2023 3:22 PM

2023-03-20T15:22:33-04:00

It wouldn't help. too much of that transition is dependent on too many factors: the person, nature of discharge, experiences while in, where the person is going, the society person is returning to....