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3: Understanding the Complexities of Military Transitions

DOI:

10.1891/9780826135971.0003

Authors

  • LAKE, DONNA M.
  • ARMSTRONG, MYRNA L.

Abstract

Both full-time military service members (MSMs) and part-time Reserve and National Guard component (RC) personnel face multiple transitions related to training, education, deployments, and reintegration to accomplish the Armed Force’s missions. This chapter’s purpose is to provide a better understanding of the complex transitional phases of deployments and/or the reintegration from the military to civilian life. It provides information about the physical, behavioral, and social impacts during the various stages of deployment for the MSM/RC, along with their families/loved ones. The Ecological Model of Veteran Reintegration and its four levels of system factors—individual, interpersonal, community organizations, and societal effects—are used to illustrate the interchanging psychosocial and environmental aspects. The chapter presents specific reintegration challenges of employment, education, and caregiving. Nurses have a pivotal role in screening psychosocial and physical needs, while promoting healthy coping and parenting, to expand the delivery of family-centered care during these transitions.