Bridging the gap: A multiple case study exploring the lived experiences of post-9/11 combat Veterans and civilian perceptions across the civilian-military divide

Abstract: The U.S. civilian-military divide poses challenges for post-9/11 combat veterans integrating back into society. Data suggests a significant decrease in the proportion of veterans within the population over the years, with post-9/11 veterans facing exponentially higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, and suicide compared to non-veterans. The decision to conduct the War on Terror with an All-Volunteer Force (AVF) has widened this gap, leading to stigma directed toward reintegrating veterans and their mental health. Failure to address these issues not only affects veterans but also compromises the sustainability of the AVF. This qualitative research study utilized a multiple case study design to explore the perspectives of post-9/11 combat veterans and non-veteran civilians within the civilian-military divide. The research provided a platform for individuals to share their lived experiences and perspectives on veteran issues by conducting oral interviews with participants from both groups. The qualitative method narrated the stories of those involved in the central phenomenon and gathered meaning directly from participants’ viewpoints. Through the case study approach, the research delved into real-life environments to investigate the complexities of the civilian-military relationship. Three key findings emerged from this study, underscoring the gravity of the civilian-military divide and its repercussions on post-9/11 combat veterans. First, the investigation illuminated the impediments encountered during the reintegration of post-9/11 combat veterans. Second, the study highlighted the prejudicial attitudes faced by these veterans during their reentry into civilian life. And third, the research emphasized the intergenerational chasm between combat veterans and the wider non-veteran populace. These findings accentuated the notable disparity between civilians and combat veterans, compelling the imperative need for concrete measures to mend this divide and prompting the formulation of distinct action strategies. First, establishing a platform for amplifying combat veterans’ narratives. Second, integrating non-veteran civilians into the reintegration process. And third, substantiating the service of post-9/11 combat veterans through a well-coordinated endeavor reminiscent of a contemporary Manhattan Project. These recommendations are designed to cultivate comprehension, inclusivity, and vindication throughout the civilian-military spectrum, ultimately closing the gap within the civilian-military divide.