Post‐combat adjustment: understanding transition

Abstract

Purpose

Research into the difficulties of post‐combat service personnel adjusting to civilian society has largely focussed on quantifiable symptoms including post combat stress disorder. This paper aims to present qualitative data on experiences of military personnel who have served in combat, concentrating on how events in combat impacted on their subsequent transition back to the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors asked participants to focus on stressful experiences in combat and their ensuing experiences of work, family relationships, civilian society and emotional health. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 military personnel who had returned from active combat. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Six major themes were found: the importance of being part of a group – this provided collective identity, as well as providing a context for legalised violent behaviour; shared experience – personnel prefer to seek support from individuals with similar experiences; help‐seeking – personnel prefer to seek help from friends as opposed to professionals; professionalism and emotional processing – the “macho” approaches in the military may prevent real help‐seeking and emotional disclosure; relationships and family – there were adjustments to be made in regard to personal relationships; civilian society – participants found civilian society to be lacking in real challenge and some engaged in risk‐taking behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the small sample, mainly with commissioned officers.

Practical implications

It would be of benefit to service personnel if those in helping professions who are working with them, also had experience of combat. Pre‐combat training and post‐combat debriefing may assist smoother transitions. Family counselling may be of benefit for personnel and their families.

Originality/value

The research provides new and important insights into the difficulties facing personnel returning from stressful combat situations, and how they may best be helped.

Citation

Verey, A. and Smith, P.K. (2012), "Post‐combat adjustment: understanding transition", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 226-236. https://doi.org/10.1108/17596591211270716