Return to civilian life

Return to civilian life refers to the process by which military personnel and veterans adapt to civilian society after completing military service. This transition involves psychological, social, educational, and occupational adjustment, as well as the development of a civilian identity and the restoration of community and family relationships. Researchers emphasize that successful reintegration depends on personal coping resources, social support, employment opportunities, and access to health and mental health services. (ResearchGate⁠)
Related concepts:
veteran reintegration;
military-to-civilian transition;
civilian reintegration;
post-service adaptation.

Sources:

Elnitsky, C. A., Fisher, M. P., & Blevins, C. L. (2017). Military service member and veteran reintegration: A conceptual analysis, unified definition, and key domains. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 369. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00369

Karre, J. K., Perkins, D. F., Morgan, N. R., Davenport, K. E., Aronson, K. R., Maury, R. V., Bradbard, D., Armstrong, N. J., Wright, A., Sargent, R., & Andros, M. (2024). What do successful military-to-civilian transitions look like? A revised framework a

Yablonska, T., Dembytska, N., & Vus, V. (2017). Social-psychological adjustment of ex-servicemen to civilian life. Social Welfare: Interdisciplinary Approach, 7(1), 168-177. https://doi.org/10.21277/sw.v1i7.285