Keywords

Veteran, Transition, Military, Reintegration, Time Currency, Social Currency

Abstract

This research project analyzed the first year of transition from active duty to civilian life by conducting 22 in- person interviews from veteran participants who served in the Global War on Terror post 9/11 and were discharged between 2001 and 2022. The purpose of this research was to identify key areas of vulnerability when evaluating veterans’ transition from military identity to civilian life. Global War on Terror Veterans are at an increased risk of difficulty transitioning to civilian life due to contributing factors of multiple redeployments, stigma over receiving medical and mental health care, and knowledge gaps in obtaining benefits post discharge. I examined areas of family and social support, finances, injuries to body systems, shifting identities and time variables. The research was conducted across Florida in 2023. I found that an abrupt discharge with limited time to mentally, financially and physically prepare for the transition was a large factor in a veteran experiencing difficulties adjusting to civilian life. Veteran identity is tied directly with their relationship on their body. This research illustrated the perceived worth and value of their physical body with the new changing identity during the transition from active duty to civilian life through the lens of social currency and the embodiment of the veteran experience. This research supports many disciplines examining post 9/11 veterans. Global War on Terror Veterans experienced a statistically high suicide rate despite the multitude of resources allotted to the Department of Veteran Affairs and nonprofit organizations. I propose time is weaponized as currency in the U.S. Armed Forces in America. Time continues to be weaponized after discharge when seeking care impacting post 9/11 Veterans today.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Fall

Committee Chair

Reyes-Foster, Beatriz

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Format

PDF

Identifier

DP0029826

Document Type

Thesis

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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