The attitudes, experiences and demographic characteristics of returning veterans may affect their transition back to civilian life, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center.
Overall, 72 percent of the veterans interviewed for the study claimed the transition to civilian life was easy while 27 percent described the transition as difficult.
But the odds of an easy adjustment also decreased with those who served in the post-9/11 period, compared with those who served in a previous war.
Of the veterans who served since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, 44 per- cent said they had trouble transitioning back to civilian life.
Study results revealed commissioned officers and college graduates adjusted more easily to post-military life than enlisted personnel and those who were high school graduates.
Veterans who experienced serious service-related injuries or emotionally traumatic experiences while serving were also more likely to have difficulties readjusting to civilian life. In addition, those who served in combat and those who knew someone who was killed were more likely to report problems with re-entry.
The survey was based upon data collected from 1,853 veterans.
