This year, tens of thousands of service members will retire from the military. Some will leave after 20 or so years on active duty, while others will leave the ranks of the reserves and National Guard. And a growing number will separate early due to medical problems.
Making the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. This is especially true for those who have spent most of their adult lives donning the uniform and adhering to the countless rules and regulations of military life. Fortunately, these challenges are manageable and never get beyond the level of a nuisance for most former troops.
One common complaint from service members post-retirement is the lack of structure and discipline within civilian society. In the early weeks and months after leaving the military, the service member may feel unstable, overwhelmed and frustrated. It can be difficult to accept that showing up to school, work or social events early (on time for many civilians) is more the exception than the rule, or that most civilians walk across the grass to cut off a few seconds on their arrival time.
In order to minimize this 180-degree shift, it's important to be flexible and forgiving. Remind yourself that these minor things don't matter, and resist letting the average civilian's disregard for rules spark anger and resentment inside you.
Money is another post-military challenge reported by many service members. The military provides stable, predictable and modest (but generally sustainable) compensation for its members. Even though retirees receive a consistent monthly retirement check, the reality is that learning to budget for housing, utilities and items like food and clothing can strain a person's financial budget.
And it's not about a reduction in income after retirement. In fact, most retirees work after the military and see an increase in household income. Problems generally come down to poor budgeting and not adapting to a new way of looking at finances.
The best way to combat this challenge is to be prepared. Military OneSource is a free service that provides money management assistance to military members and their families. You can also download a free financial guide from the Better Business Bureau and Kiplinger that covers all things money and military: militarytimes.com/bbb-finances.
Leaving the military is stressful for many. But with a little flexibility, planning and common sense, the transition can be virtually seamless for most. For those of you joining the civilian ranks this year, thanks for your service and welcome!
Bret A. Moore, Psy.D., is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. Email him at kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance.
