Identifying service-related predictors of community reintegration difficulties in Northern Irish military Veterans

Abstract

Background: Military-to-civilian community reintegration in Northern Irish (NI) veterans has not been previously examined. Existing reintegration studies indicate that post-military service life can be challenging for many veterans. Objective: The current study aimed to identify service-related predictors of community reintegration difficulties in a sample of 749 NI veterans. Method: Data was collected through a cross-sectional self-report survey of UK Armed Forces veterans residing in NI. Service-related variables were examined as predictors of overall and subdomain-specific reintegration difficulties. Results: Combat exposure, time spent deployed in NI, length of service, being medically discharged, and being physically injured during service were significant predictors of reintegration difficulties. Receiving a mental health diagnosis since discharge and having been medically discharged were the two strongest predictors. Further results and implications are also discussed. Conclusion: Post-service adjustment to civilian life is affected by service variables, with implications for military/post-military interventions aimed at mitigating difficult transition experiences.