Transitioning from military to civilian life is an arduous process that has challenges to integrate into society, even if the individual is not experiencing severe psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder. The transition experiences barriers in the aspect of incompatibility between military and civilian cultures. The military maintains a specific culture regarding values, traditions, ethos, and organizational aspects that are rarely seen in the relaxed life of a civilian (Cathcart, 2017). The lack of routine and structure in civilian life often becomes disorienting for military members that have been indoctrinated to rigid schedules and regulations. Although military experience is valuable, and most veterans have no regrets, there are inherent problems with broader life skills. Veterans do not have the capabilities to adjust to civilian life leading to unemployment, personal life problems, and financial issues (University of Southern California Staff, 2017).
In the case of CPL Cooper, it is evident that, like many veterans, he experienced the rapid transition into civilian life without preparation or knowledge of available resources. This is common for veterans, especially those who entered the military at a young age and have been discharged without a job, place to live, or understanding of fundamental social and economic concepts. This is a matter of structural challenges, which was evident in Cooper’s attempt at a management training program where the lack of discipline and adherence to policies caused frustration. Some of the questions for Cooper would be to determine his level of comfort working in a civilian environment and his determination to address critical issues. It would be helpful to examine his military service records to evaluate skills and abilities. Furthermore, as part of the reintegration process, it might be important to discuss if the corporal is experiencing any psychological issues or symptoms of mental disorders.
The culture within the military, emphasizing mental strength, often makes veterans feel uncomfortable seeking help or discussing personal issues. To create a comfortable environment, trust and rapport should be established with the client. This is done by ensuring that an office environment is a place of safety and confidentiality. It may be helpful to let a veteran know that as a social worker specializing in working with members of the armed forces, one understands the struggles that he may be facing. It is necessary to emphasize the utmost respect for the client. It is important to emphasize that the Vet Center and any other veteran program or clinic exist for the sole purpose of helping veterans transition to civilian life and provide any manner of support required for their wellbeing.
In providing help to CPL Cooper, it is critical to use a strength-based approach in order to empower the client and find the appropriate resources for help. Strengths can be categorized into motor, cognitive, and emotional or behavioral functions. Veterans may have superior organizational or attentive skills. Emotional strengths include factors such as resilience and stability. Regarding employment, companies often find the strength of military culture, such as cohesion and mission, to be helpful for efficiency and growth, rather than limitations in the workplace (Rubin, Weiss, & Coll, 2013).
A social worker can help CPL Cooper by directing him to appropriate resources which he is eligible for as a veteran. Furthermore, a social worker can provide counseling, referrals, assistance in applying for VA benefits and help with finding employment. CPL Cooper meets the requirements for VA basic eligibility as he was in the service for four years. Disability care can be determined within 12 months of discharge, which applies to this case as well. Depending on his evaluation, Cooper may also be eligible for compensation due to service-connected disability and the Transition Assistance Program. Overall, as a social worker, one should seek to understand the client’s perspective and cultural transition in order to competently aid with reintegration into society and provide resources that can resolve critical issues in his life.
References
Cathcart, D. G. (2017). Navigating towards a new identity: Military to civilian transition. Web.
Rubin, A., Weiss, E. L., & Coll, J. E. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of military social work. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
University of Southern California Staff. (2017). Service members speak out on difficulties of transitioning to civilian life. Web.