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In 1948 President Truman abolished discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin. This same year women were also allowed to join the military.

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The Difficulties Transitioning from Military Life to Civilian Life

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The Difficulties Transitioning from Military Life to Civilian Life

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Many veterans have difficulty transitioning and adjusting to regular civilian life after being in the military. There's a multitude of reasons why such as: being used to the routine of military life, experiencing a traumatic event, getting injured, knowing someone who was seriously injured or killed, rank in the military, education status, religion, war served in, and more.

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How to Talk to Veterans About Their Time in the Military

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How to Talk to Veterans About Their Time in the Military

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It can be very difficult for veterans to open up about their experiences in the military without reliving them especially if those experiences were difficult or traumatic and they're still dealing with the aftermath of being in the military.

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Wes Moore: How to talk to veterans about the war

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How Veterans Feel About Veterans Day and What They Want You to Know

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How Veterans Feel About Veterans Day and What They Want You to Know

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Many veterans watch the general public either celebrate like it's a happy holiday or mourn for the lost. The veterans in this article wanted people to know that they use Veteran's Day to reflect on what they did and why. They would like gratitude whether that be verbal or a nod of the head in respect to the veteran. Lastly, they wanted people to know that veteran means a unique experience for each veteran so tread lightly when it comes to conversations that may make them recall or relive past experiences.

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We spend a lot of time hearing about what other people think we should do and say on Veterans Day. But what do veterans themselves actually want us to know?

These three tips by veterans from different branches, jobs and ranks will help us to remember what is at the heart of Veterans Day and how we can honor our veterans this November 11th.

1. A Day of Reflection, Not Celebration

Many people treat Veterans Day the same way they treat Memorial Day -- as a day of solemnity in remembrance of those who gave their lives for our nation. Others view the holiday similarly to Independence Day, with celebration of our nation's freedom. According to retired Chief Warrant Officer James S. Hanson, Aviation Safety Officer, it's neither.

"I wish people understood what [Veterans Day] means. It's not a memorial, go to the graveyard day ... it's not a beer drinking party day. It's a day to commemorate why the veterans did what they did and do what they do," he said.

Another veteran, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed, saying, "[Veterans] think of Veterans Day as a day of reflection, while I see civilians celebrating."

Retired Air Force Capt. Rodney Haworth believes this difference in the way the holiday is celebrated is because "the military experience is [usually] something to which non-vets are never exposed ... the general public has [less understanding] of how serious the situation can become."

As a military spouse, you're very familiar with the seriousness of the commitment made by servicemembers, and reflecting on this is an important part of honoring our veterans.

Another veteran offered, "[On Veterans Day] I think about how glad I am that there are other people who also make this choice to serve and represent the nation. It's a huge commitment, and as a servicemember, I'm appreciative of all of the [other] men and women who have made the choice to serve."

This year when you're talking to your veterans, make a point of asking them about their time in the service. Questions such as, "What made you decide to serve?" and "What is or was your favorite part of serving in the military?" are a few conversation starters that will let your veterans know that we are interested, listening, and most importantly, grateful.

2. A Day of Gratitude

While we all have good intentions when we offer a quick "thanks" to a servicemember in passing, many veterans interviewed reported being tired of the obligatory "Thank you for your service," said one retired Marine.

On the other hand, some veterans don't feel a need to be thanked at all. According to Hanson, "Most career military [members] are answering the call to defend and protect the people and country they love."

Retired Lt. Robert Yates, Helicopter Aircraft Commander and search and rescue pilot, agrees. "This may surprise you, but I am not comfortable with, 'Thank you for your service,'" he says. "Most of us were just doing what we had to do. It was not some noble quest -- it was simply doing a job expected of us."

"People have different callings in life, so I don't necessarily feel that my choice to serve in the military has made me any more or less entitled to gratitude than any other position of service," added another veteran. He continued, stating, "I don't feel like I deserve a 'thank you' ... I signed up, did my job, and went home, just like everyone else."

Recognizing that most veterans serve to fulfill an inner calling and sense of personal responsibility -- and not to seek fame and glory -- will go further than, "Thank you for your service," ever could. Relating to your veteran over your mutual pride for and love of this nation and her people will convey your gratitude for their service in a personal and meaningful way.

3. A Day of Careful Conversation

"Veteran" is not a one-size-fits-all title. Even within the same unit, each service member will have a different experience -- some painful, some triumphant and some both. Making assumptions about a service member's experience can do more harm than good, so make sure to approach your conversations with care.

"[People] tend to think of some generic soldier figure who's off overseas fighting epic battles for their freedom, but soldiers are all unique individuals with an incredible amount of diversity who make many sacrifices on a daily basis," said one veteran. There are many lesser-known jobs within the military that are often overlooked, despite the significant roles they play in our military's success. It's important to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by these "smaller" roles in addition to the missions making headlines.

According to Yates, "We tend to remember best those things that impact or traumatize us most. That is our nature. So when a combat veteran reflects on his time in service the first things that will come to mind are the times when his/her personal safety was most at risk. In naval aviation the saying is that your job is 99% boredom and 1% stark terror. I remember those moments very clearly."

While we want to convey our gratitude on Veterans Day, remember that many veterans will be reliving difficult moments from their time in service. Just like with any other interaction, be sure to "read the room" before pursuing a conversation.

For some, Veterans Day is just another federal holiday. But for many, it is a day of reflection, gratitude and conversation. This year, let's make sure to honor our veterans in the best way possible by reflecting on the significance of their service, conveying our gratitude in meaningful and personal ways, and carefully pursuing conversations that will allow them to talk about the memories they wish to recall without forcing them to relive memories they're seeking to avoid.

Happy Veterans Day!

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3 Things Veterans Want You to Know on Veterans Day

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We spend a lot of time hearing about what other people think we should do and say on Veterans Day. But what do veterans themselves actually want us to know? These three tips by veterans from different branches, jobs and ranks will help us to remember what is at the heart of Veterans Day and how we can honor our veterans this November 11th.

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One Marine's Connection between PTSD and Substance Abuse 

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One Marine's Connection between PTSD and Substance Abuse 

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Many veterans become addicted and/or abuse substances in an attempt to cope with pain, mental instability, emotional trauma, depression and anxiety, homelessness, frustration, disabilities, etc. This is a personal account of a Marine's relationship with substance abuse.

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VA Resources and Healthcare for Spouses, Dependents of Veterans, and Veteran Caregivers

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VA Resources and Healthcare for Spouses, Dependents of Veterans, and Veteran Caregivers

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If you're the spouse, dependent of a veteran, or caregiver for a veteran you may be entitled to healthcare and assistance through the VA.

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Health care for spouses, dependents, and family caregivers | Veterans Affairs

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If you’re the spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or family caregiver of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for health care benefits. In certain cases, you may also qualify for health care benefits due to a disability related to your Veteran’s service. Find out if you qualify and ho…

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What Are the Top 20 Reasons to Join the Military

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What Are the Top 20 Reasons to Join the Military

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This poll gathered 135 participants to discover the top 20 reasons for joining the military with the top 3 reasons being:
#1 To serve your country
#2 To get in shape
#3 The GI Bill to help pay for education.

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Joining the military, for most, can be a life-altering decision.

Some guys and gals know it from the start: they strive to be a part of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines from a very young age.

Yes, even the Coast Guard too.

Others, on the other hand, aren't too sure if it's the right thing for them.

We've compiled this list of the top 20 reasons why you should join the military, and 7 reasons you should NOT.

This list is based on a recent poll we conducted, where we asked those that are currently serving in the military / did serve what their primary reasons for joining were.

Here's a quick snapshot of that poll:

Hopefully, this list will help guide you in the right direction if you've been on the fence!

#1. Serve Your Country

If you feel a sense of patriotism or duty towards the American people, joining the military is a great option.

Once you've served, you'll be filled with a sense of pride.

There's nothing like walking around in your uniform and having someone thank you for your service.

#2. Get in Shape

The physical demands of Basic Training and the daily workouts the military requires are an added benefit to joining.

You'll develop cardiovascular and muscular strength that you didn't know you were capable of having.

Plus, if your job is physically demanding-think infantry-it is your job to be in your best.

Let me put it like this: you'll be getting paid to workout.

#3. GI Bill

In the US, the average cost of an in-state undergraduate degree is around $40,000.

For out-of-state, it is closer to $100,000. However, if you utilize the GI Bill, not only will your tuition be waived, you'll also get paid to learn.

The living stipend is based on the zip code of your school.

In San Francisco, for example, you'll make $4,398 a month to get your degree.

The GI bill is one of the best reasons to join the military, by far!
Related Article - Top 15 Military Schools For Boys And Girls
#4. Be Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself

Most of us go through our daily lives working towards something that is going to benefit us.

As a member of the military, you'll have the opportunity to serve a cause that affects the whole world.

When people back home talk about the war overseas, you'll have a firsthand perspective to add to the conversation.

#5. Earn Respect and Admiration from Your Peers

I can't tell you how often my friends introduce me to others by mentioning my service in the Army.

Almost always, I get the same reaction.

Wow. That's really admirable of you.

I never brag about it, but, to be honest, it always feels good to hear.

Not to mention, everyone always wants to buy me a beer.

#6. Honor a Family Tradition

Maybe your Dad or Mom served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, and you want to make them proud.

Sometimes, military legacies reach a few generations back. Following in the footsteps of a relative can instill a great sense of pride.

Additionally, your family members will be able to advise you on how to be successful while serving.

#7. Experience for a Specific Civilian Career

The majority of jobs in the military will directly transfer to the civilian world.

For example, if you plan on pursuing a job in law enforcement, serve a few years in the military police.

Not to mention, having military experience on your resume typically goes a long way with employers.

A background in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines shows leadership ability and a strong work ethic.

Check out some of the best jobs available in 2020 below:
Best Navy Jobs For Civilian Life Best Army Jobs For Civilian Life
#8. Travel

Getting to travel is probably one of the first reasons people think of when considering joining the military.

In addition to the obvious places-Iraq and Afghanistan-service-members get to go all over.

The US military has international bases such as Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland and South Korea to name a few.

Stateside traveling can be just as exciting. There are military bases in Alaska and Hawaii.
Related Article - List of Army Bases in the US
#9. Get Out of your Hometown

Hometowns can be great. They're comfortable, familiar, and full of people you know and trust.

But they can also be traps, and hopping in a car and taking off is expensive.

Joining the military is a great option if you're looking to get away from home.

#10. Medical Care

Healthcare is one of the most controversial topics today.

No matter your position on the subject, one thing is clear: a visit to the doctor is expensive!

The military provides free and top-notch, full health coverage for its members and their families.

Personally, I met more than a few guys who were ecstatic to finally get their teeth fixed.

#11. Save Money

If you're looking to get rich, the military is not the best option for you (see number 1 below).

However, since the military provides you with everything you need, it is also a unique opportunity to save money.

If you're conscious of your money, it's possible to serve and get out with a comfortable savings account.

#12. Gain Worldly Perspective

You'll get to do a lot of traveling in the military.

However, one thing I didn't mention is the benefit of all that traveling. Exploring the world and experiencing cultures and people different from your own is the best way to gain perspective.

Imagine seeing how people live in the mountains of Afghanistan.

After that, you'll have a new appreciation for the comforts many Americans take for granted every day.

#13. Learn a Skill/Trade

Joining the military doesn't mean that you have to become an expert shooter or warrior.

There are hundreds of unique positions in the military, and many of them apply to the civilian workforce.

You can learn every trade, from how to be a mechanic, driving heavy equipment, to the ins and outs of cryptology.

Check out full lists for the various careers available in each branch below:
Army MOS List Navy Ratings List Marine Corps MOS List Air Force AFSC List Coast Guard Ratings List
#14. Friends for Life

Spending every day for an entire year with the same guys can be stressful.

The flip side to that is that you'll create bonds with people that will last the rest of your life.

You'll have friends that will watch you grow and get married, and friends you can call when times get hard.

The people I met in the military make all the suffering I endured worth it.

#15. Early Retirement

With a parental waiver, you can actually join the military at just 17 years of age.

Now, it only takes 20 years of service to become eligible for retirement.

That means that you could collect a pension, have full health coverage forever, and start a whole other career before you're 40!
Related Article: 15 Best States For Military Retirees And Veterans
#16. Meet People from All Over the US

The United States is a huge country, and the people that encompass it differ greatly depending on where they're from.

When you join the military, you'll meet people from big cities and towns of a few hundred.

People from the country, people from the suburbs. Some people that grew up poor and others that grew up rich.

#17. VA Home Loan

With the VA Home Loan, veterans can purchase a home for zero money down. Additionally, many of the purchasing fees are waived.

It was hard for me to imagine purchasing a home before I joined the military.

With the VA Home Loan, I found a great house, and I didn't have to wipe out my savings or go into debt to make my dream come true.

#18. Small Business Assistance

Similar to the VA Home Loan, the VA also supports veterans who are interested in starting a small business.

Here's a direct quote from the Small Business Administration website:

SBA programs provide access to capital and preparation for small business opportunities. They can also connect veteran small business owners with federal procurement and commercial supply chains.

#19. Learn Structure and Discipline

No matter what your specialty in the military is, your time in the service will instill in you a strong work ethic.

The military does not believe in quitting, and laziness on the job is never tolerated. It can be hard at times, but always worth it.

When you get out of the military, employers will see someone who works hard and can be trusted to get the job done.

#20. See What You're Made of

The military has a limitless amount of challenges if pushing yourself physically and mentally interests you.

There is a myriad amount of schools that you can sign up for, like Airborne School, Air Assault School, or even Ranger School.

Additionally, there are always higher tiers of operations you can try out for, like Ranger Battalion, Navy SEALs, Green Berets, or even the top-secret Delta Force.
Related Article: Green Berets Vs. Rangers Vs. Delta Force: Some MAJOR Differences
The simple fact of the matter is that the military is not for everyone.

In my time, I met some guys that just should have never signed up to join.

The following is a list of reasons to NOT join the military:

#1. To Get Rich

Different from number 11 above, the military is not the occupation you want if getting rich is your ultimate goal.

Pay for enlisted soldiers starts at just $1,600 per month (that's under $20K a year).

For E-5 Sergeants with a few years of service, the pay barely doubles that.

Even though the opportunity to save a lot of your income is available, getting rich isn't going to happen.

Check out the ranks and pay for each branch below:
Army Ranks and Pay Navy Ranks and Pay Air Force Ranks and Pay Marine Corps Ranks and Pay Coast Guard Ranks and Pay
#2. To Kill Someone

This is actually one of the biggest reasons why guys want to join the military, although it's a bit misguided.

Though I wanted to seek revenge for my fellow countrymen and women that died in 9/11, I drew a clear distinction between that feeling and wanting to kill.

I was prepared to take a life, but I never wanted to.

If you want to join to know what it's like to kill, you've watched too many movies, and real soldiers are going to laugh in your face.

#3. On a Whim

Joining the military is a huge life decision and not one that should be taken lightly.

Whether or not you plan on signing up for one of the combat-related jobs, you will be signing away at least three years of your life.

Where you live, how you get to dress-for a few years, these decisions are not up to you.

Think it over.

#4. To Impress a Girl (or a Guy)

Let's just keep this one short, shall we? You go to Basic Training and come out physically fit.
Related Article: How Hard Is Army Basic Training?
You go off overseas and come back with a worldly perspective. You're a better person all-around.

What's the girl/guy back home been doing since you've been gone? Moving on.

You should too.

#5. If You Want Control Over Where You're Going to Live

Before I joined there was a rumor that I get to write down my top three preferred duty stations.

Unfortunately, that's just patently wrong.

The military places its members where it needs them, hence the term "service."

It takes years of serving and moving up in rank until you get any say in where you can live.

#6. If You Really Can't Imagine the Idea of Complete Structure

If you can't imagine being told what to do, where to go, what kind of tattoos you can have, and how to dress every day, don't join.

Additionally, the rank structure in the military is a one-way road. No exceptions.

Your leadership should never belittle you.

However, there will be times when you are expected to take verbal and/or physical punishment.

On top of that, you are not allowed to give your side of the story.

#7. If you don't like exercise

It should go without saying that the military is going to demand that you run, push, pull, sit-up, and climb on a regular basis.

While some jobs demand more than others, every soldier, Marine, Seaman and Airman is expected to pass physical fitness tests.

You don't need to be a stud to succeed in the military, but if you really hated P.E. in high school, I don't suggest joining up.

Conclusion

If you've been thinking about joining the military, but are unsure where to start, check out this article.

It gives a solid breakdown of what life is like in each branch of the US military, and is a tremendous resource.

In any event, there are plenty of good reasons to join the military.

It's all a matter of figuring out where your priorities are, as well as weighing the pros and cons in your own current life situation.

Hopefully, this article helped guide you in your journey!

General FAQ

What are some of the benefits of joining the military?

Some of the most popular benefits of joining the US military is the job training, educational assistance, steady paycheck, health coverage, and housing benefits. See a full list of the benefits here.

Which military branch is the best?

While each branch offers different opportunities, most airmen will say that the Air Force offers more for those interested in technology. Recruits interested in combat or a future in security would prefer the Army or Marine Corps.

What are the healthcare benefits of joining the military?

Active duty service members and their families get free medical care under TRICARE. Retirees can receive free health care from the Veterans Administration, while honorably separated members can receive low-cost care if they meet the income caps.

Will the military pay for college?

The military offers several ways to help pay for college, which is especially useful if you're just graduating High School. The GI Bill provides up the 36 months of school while on active duty and for 15 years after. Active duty members also receive 100% tuition assistance for career education.

Related Articles You Might Be Interested In:

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Top 20 Reasons To Join The Military (and 7 Reasons NOT To) In 2020

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Joining the military, for most, can be a life-altering decision. Some guys and gals know it from the start: they strive to be a part of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines from a very young age. Yes, even the Coast Guard too.

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Based on these unfortunate 2014 veteran suicide statistics "an average of 20 veterans a day died by suicide" with a little over 25% using the VA health services.

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How the Veteran Population Turns into the Homeless Population

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How the Veteran Population Turns into the Homeless Population

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Many veterans are used to having housing, food, money, and other resources provided for them through being in the military. If a veteran returns home with disabilities, no job, trauma, substance abuse, etc. they risk homelessness. These veterans come home unable to independently care for themselves and if they've exhausted their resources, don't know what resources are there for them, or don't have family to take care of them they end up on the streets homeless.

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When a soldiers mission ends, his civilian life returns. As he finally comes home to the arms of his loved ones, he can finally feel at peace and contented of what he has done not only in making sure that the family he left behind from his years in service are safe and free but most especially to the service that he has done for his country and his fellow Americans.

But what happens when a soldier's life in the military is over and he does not have a home to come back to? What if after his long years in service, the man that he has become was now just a shadow of the man that he once was? Veterans who suffer from mental, emotional, and physical problems that were not addressed properly when they returned home after their service in the military was over. In these stories about homeless veterans, we can see a few commonalities why these war heroes ended homeless just after their military service was over.

Here are 5 reasons why some veterans become homeless.

1. The addiction to alcohol and drugs that began during their time in the service or shortly thereafter are some of the most common factors why veterans end up being homeless.

2. Upon entering the military, most homeless veterans were marginal individuals. And when they entered the military, their performance was average to below average. After retiring from active duty, these veterans just went back to their former status in the society.

3. Many homeless veterans that returned home became difficult to get along with and cannot accept the fact that they are no longer in the service. This alienated their friends and even their family who were willing to help them during their most difficult times.

4. Veterans who were assigned to military missions and operations that had little or no direct civilian equivalents have the higher tendencies to be homeless once their military life is over.

5. Veterans that returned home with undiagnosed or not properly treated mental, emotional, and physical disorders that made them develop erratic behaviors and poor judgment are more likely to become homeless compared to veterans that went through the proper process and treatment upon returning homefrom service.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, since January 2014, homeless veterans in the United States was estimated to be more than 50,000.

This is very sad news in a nation that prides itself as one with the most advanced and well trained military forces in the world.

So, as Americans, let us extend our hands to these homeless veterans who at one time in their lives protected and served us with honor and pride to keep us and our country safe.

One of the best ways to help these homeless vets is to assist those who need mental health counseling and drug addiction problems. Patience and understanding can always go a long way and can make them feel their worth.

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Homeless Vets: Reasons Why Veterans Become Homeless

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When a soldiers mission ends, his civilian life returns.

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The Invisible Wound of Sexual Trauma in the Military and The Repercussions That Come With It.

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The Invisible Wound of Sexual Trauma in the Military and The Repercussions That Come With It.

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There is a well-known fact that there's a power dynamic in the military. This power dynamic may lead to abuse of power resulting in 🤬 and sexual trauma which more often than not goes unreported or if it is reported the assailant avoids repercussions. This leaves the victim to deal with the trauma and heal from it.

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PTSD Treatment Options: Therapy or Medication?

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PTSD Treatment Options: Therapy or Medication?

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This video explains what options there are for therapy vs medications. It explains how each treatment works and other factors that may influence or affect PTSD. This can be a starting point for figuring out how to manage PTSD.

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A pamphlet that explains how to apply for veterans benefits as well as what all benefits are entailed for simply being a veteran.

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AmericaServes an organization that can help veterans get back on their feet and assimilate back into regular society 

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AmericaServes an organization that can help veterans get back on their feet and assimilate back into regular society 

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AmericaServes has a range of serves from assisting with housing & shelter, finding employment, benefits navigation, income support, clothing & household items among other services.

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Our mission is to catalyze and instill a sustainable, community-based commitment to care coordination excellence for America's military connected members and their families. We do so by providing innovative practice, actionable strategies, technology, resources, and expertise to communities, organizations, and individuals who are willing to improve upon their efforts to serve the needs of the nation's all-volunteer armed forces, veterans, and their families.

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Our Mission - Help For Military Veterans, Service Members & Families

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Our mission is to catalyze and instill a sustainable, community-based commitment to care coordination excellence for America's military connected members and their families. We do so by providing innovative practice, actionable strategies, technology, resources, and expertise to communities, organizations, and individuals who are willing to improve upon their efforts to serve the needs of the nation's all-volunteer armed forces, veterans, and their families.

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The real effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

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The real effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

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Many people don't know or understand what a Traumatic Brain Injury is or how it affects veterans. This video is a real-life example that includes interviews of military wives who's husbands suffer from a Traumatic Brain Injury.

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Military families cope with traumatic brain injury at West Orange hospital

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The Mindset  and Culture Behind Why Veterans Don't Seek Medical Help

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The Mindset  and Culture Behind Why Veterans Don't Seek Medical Help

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There is a mindset and culture that a soldier who is unwell whether that be physically, mentally, or emotionally is disabled or unfit to fight or be a leader. They are seen as "weak" or "unfit for duty". This leads to unhealthy and potentially harmful coping mechanisms.

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According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), around 70% of physicians in the United States have received some of their training with the VA. A total of 178 of 183 U.S. medical schools are affiliated with the VA, and 43,565 medical residents, 24,683 medical students, and 463 advanced fellows received some or all of their clinical training within the VA system in 2017 ( 1). Despite this training, most clinicians do not feel adequately prepared to provide high-quality care for veterans. In a recent study, only 13% of mental health providers met readiness criteria for culture competency in treating veterans ( 2).

To better serve this population, it is imperative that clinicians understand military culture. The present article provides clinicians with useful information to consider when treating active-duty service members and veterans.

Individual Experience

The military experience of all veterans is unique. Their branch of service (Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard), their rank, their job (referred to as their military occupation specialty [or MOS]), and the period during which they served (World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom, or "peacetime") all have an impact on their experience during active duty and after leaving the service.

Veterans' rank has a great impact on their individual experience. Military ranks differ by branch and are compared between branches by pay grade (enlisted ranks, E1-E9; officer ranks, O1-O10). Veterans will often make statements such as, "I was an E-5," rather than saying, "I was a sergeant" (in the Army or Marine Corps), or "I was a petty officer second class" (in the Navy or Coast Guard). Enlisted personnel make up approximately 82% of active-duty military service members, most of whom enlisted shortly after completing high school. This is important to recognize, because while their civilian peers were leaving home for college or their first job, the enlisted veteran may have been leading troops or fighting in combat.

An officer is an individual who obtained a commission by having completed at least a bachelor's degree and graduating from an officer candidate school (referred to as an OCS) or military academy. Officer ranks tend to be more familiar to the civilian population (e.g., lieutenant, captain, colonel, admiral, or general), but titles differ between the different branches of services. Because the majority of U.S. veterans served in the enlisted ranks, usually ≤4 years, it would benefit clinicians to become more familiar with the E1-E5 ranks.

Shared Experience

There are many things that all service members have in common (see box). Sacrifice is at the top of the list of their shared experience. Time away from family and friends, long hours of duty, and very hard work are just a few of the enormous obligations that veterans have during their service.

BOX. Common Traits Among Service Members

Ironically, service members forfeit many of the freedoms that they fight to protect. They give up a piece of their individuality to become a part of something larger than themselves. While serving in active duty, uniformity is the rule: dressing the same, speaking the same, and behaving the same. The right to free speech, the right to bear arms, protection from illegal search and seizure, and the right to a trial by jury are all relinquished. Additionally, unlike in civilian jobs, once a contract to join the military is signed, it cannot be freely withdrawn by the signee. Without a proper discharge, a service member can be criminally charged with desertion.

Despite all of the privileges that veterans give up, working as part of a team and being able to rely on those around them inspires a sense of pride, belonging, loyalty, and brotherhood known as esprit de corps. This is why many veterans feel a sense of comfort and connection with other veterans, even with those from different branches of service or from different eras. "I got your six" is a way of saying "I've got your back," which embodies this idea.

In the civilian world, an individual's beliefs and values can be ambiguous and may change over time. In the military, values are spelled out and explicitly taught from the beginning. Each branch of service holds its own core values ( Figure 1). However, despite differences in verbiage, honor, courage, duty, and service above self are common values shared by all service members. These traits and ethics epitomize holding oneself to a higher standard and remain with the veteran over the course of a lifetime.

U.S. Military Core Values

At some point in most veterans' experiences, they are confronted with their own mortality. By joining the military, they put themselves in harm's way. They may have considered it when they signed the contract, or they may not have appreciated it until they were "down range" with rounds screaming past. Dark humor, with morbid jokes about death, are ubiquitous in the military. Whether serving during a time of war or peace, killing and dying in service to one's country are common themes. Speaking flippantly about death is not a morbid preoccupation, it is a way of coping with this overwhelming burden. Thus, it is important for clinicians to note that a veteran admitting to thoughts about his or her own death may not necessarily be suicidal ideation, it is often a continuation of this mentality. These thoughts are often hidden from family and friends as well as from clinicians due to fear of judgment. This fear of judgment is what may prevent veterans from talking openly with civilians and from seeking professional help. Discussing the veteran's thoughts about death, if approached from an empathetic and nonjudgmental stance, can bolster trust and expose possible internal conflicts, including moral injury.

How to Approach Veterans

The following bullet points are suggestions for clinicians on how to approach veterans in the clinical setting. (Additional resources are presented in Table 1.)

Ask questions. The military has a lot of abbreviations and acronyms, as well as jargon and slang. Asking the veteran to explain military terminology will show interest, and it can help build rapport and lessen resistance.

Listen. All veterans have a unique story about why they joined the military, what they did while serving, and how they feel about it. A clinician can show interest in the veteran as an individual by asking questions such as, "What branch were you in?", "When did you serve?", "What was your MOS?", "Where were you stationed?", and "Were you deployed?" Listening to the veteran's story will help to establish rapport and help to put the veteran at ease. It is crucial that veterans' first experience with a clinician be positive and welcoming, even at the expense of having to schedule a follow-up appointment to address all of their concerns.

Show concern. When a veteran says "I'm fine," it does not mean that he or she is not experiencing psychological distress or medical illness. Most of military training teaches men and women how to suppress their feelings. "Suck it up" and "rub some dirt in it" are common responses to complaints about discomfort, illness, or injury. When the veteran says, "I'm fine," he or she is often having difficulty admitting any hardship. This is an opportunity for the clinician to show empathy and concern. This is when the clinician should put down the clipboard, turn away from the computer, look the veteran in the eyes and say, "I am here for you." "How can I help?"

Build trust and respect. Never say "I understand" to a veteran. This phrase, even when said with empathy, may cause a veteran to withdraw or become angry. Respect and trust can be elicited with other empathetic statements or questions, such as "How was that for you?" or "I can't imagine what that was like for you."

Understand trauma. Not all trauma is military or deployment related. Service members carry the wounds and traumas of their lives with them into the military. Moreover, stress is an everyday part of military life, long before deployment to combat. Traumatic events, including sexual trauma and losses, can occur on a military base just as easily as on the battlefield. These traumas can sometimes be more difficult to heal, because they are unexpected. Ask veterans about painful experiences they may have had apart from deployment or before enlisting.

Refrain from judgment. Servicemen and women have been put in situations where split-second decisions dictate dying versus going home to their families. Postdeployment, these decisions often weigh heavily on their minds and their conscious. This is referred to as moral injury. It is not helpful for the clinician to express his or her opinions or moral judgments. The clinician should be supportive and empathetic while the veteran works through these issues.

Thank the veteran with sincerity. "Thank you for your service." Although well intended, this phrase has been overused and can sound shallow and contrived. Instead, clinicians should aim to be more spontaneous and less automatic. "Welcome back," "Welcome home," or even just "Thank you" can give the intended message without ringing hollow.

Resources for In-Depth Training in Military Culture for Treating Veterans

Conclusions

The topics discussed in this article are merely the tip of the iceberg, intended to provide clinicians with a glimpse into military culture. Being aware of this information is a first step toward better serving the veteran population.

Key Points/Clinical Pearls

References

1. US Department of Veterans Affairs: 2017 Statistics: health professions trainees. Washington, DC, Office of Academic Affiliations, US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2017. https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/OAA_Statistics.pdf Google Scholar

2. Tanielian T, Farris C, Batka C, et al. : 2016. Ready to serve: community-based provider capacity to deliver culturally competent, quality mental health care to veterans and their families. Arlington, Va, RAND Corporation, http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR806.html Google Scholar

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According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), around 70% of physicians in the United States have received some of their training with the VA. A total of 178 of 183 U.S. medical schools are affiliated with the VA, and 43,565 medical residents, 24,683 medical students, and 463 advanced fellows received some or all of their clinical training within the VA system in 2017 ( 1).

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Nursing care for both the Veteran and their family members 

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Nursing care for both the Veteran and their family members 

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Having a veteran as a family member comes with unique stipulations that affect not only the veteran but the family and how the family functions as well. Here's an article on how you as a nurse can include considerations for the veteran's family in your plan of care.

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