When soldiers return to the United States, they can find themselves facing a lot of roadblocks regarding restarting their careers. Sometimes, they do not have skills that translate well into the civilian world. Other times, they have just been out of the workforce for so long that they're not sure where to begin.
Veterans say stigmas reduce their ability to find jobs
What percentage of people have joined the military?
Have you ever wondered just how many people have served in the armed forces? You may be able to find data indicating how large the military is at any given time, but you're interested in the bigger picture. You want to know how many people have served in the past, as well.
PTSD has changed names over time
Although we know more now than ever before about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, you could say that we are still very much in the early stages of understanding it. People only now really realize what is going on, how it can be a disability, and the type of assistance people need -- often, veterans of foreign wars -- to work through it.
Your war injury could impact your children
War injuries can change you forever. The physical loss of a limb could make it impossible for you to work, for instance. A traumatic brain injury could change your personality. The post-traumatic stress you feel could stress you out and lead to issues with anger, substance abuse and much more.
There may be fewer veterans in 2037
While predictions are usually not 100% accurate, it's important to note that the veteran population is declining, and it is predicted to keep doing so through at least 2037.
Understanding military brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are a serious concern for veterans who have seen combat. These injuries may be enough to end a military career, and they can even have a permanent impact on that person's life after they get out. It's important to understand how they happen and the way they may affect you.
Modern wars mean more explosion-based injuries
While bombs and explosions have been a part of war for generations, reports show that they are more common in modern wars than they were just a short time ago. Even just going back to Vietnam, soldiers who got injured in the line of duty often had firearm-related injuries. Those still happen, but explosion-based injuries are far more common.
Veterans start program helping other struggling vets
When military veterans struggle with mental, emotional and physical issues after returning from combat, it's often hard for people to help them. Vets may feel like no one else can really understand what they went through. Some have called it a post-military subculture.
The mental challenges of post-war life
When they return to the United States after serving in combat, many veterans face a significant amount of serious health challenges. Some of these are mental issues, which often are not as clear-cut as physical issues. They can impact relationships, make it so that the veterans cannot return to work and change the entire course of their lives.
Blue Water Navy vets can now claim disability for Agent Orange
A federal Court of Appeals panel voted in late January that "Blue Water Navy" Vietnam veterans qualify to receive disability benefits for any illnesses they've developed from their exposure to Agent Orange, a toxic chemical herbicide. One analyst notes that this ruling will ensure that thousands of veterans finally receive the disability benefits that those who are unable to work desperately need.
