New research reveals veterans experience three distinct pathways through military transition

No two veterans experience military transition in the same way, according to new research from Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR), highlighting the need for more personalised support after service.

Published in the journal Military Psychology, the study, sponsored by RSL Queensland, identified three distinct patterns of psychosocial adjustment among 725 ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

Using the Military-Civilian Adjustment and Reintegration Measure (M-CARM), a tool developed by GMR researchers, the study examined the social, cultural and psychological factors that influence successful transition from military to civilian life.

While around one in five veterans reported relatively few adjustment difficulties, almost 80 per cent experienced varying levels of cultural and psychological challenges.
The largest group experienced difficulties adapting to civilian life, including adjusting to different workplace environments, establishing new routines and forming relationships outside the military. More than one-third of participants faced these challenges alongside broader difficulties such as a loss of purpose and connection, resentment and regret, and poorer mental health and quality of life.

GMR CEO Miriam Kent said the findings reinforce that transition is not a single experience and that veterans require different types of support depending on their individual circumstances.

“Military transition is often treated as though every veteran follows the same path, but our research shows that’s simply not the case. Veterans experience different combinations of challenges that require different levels of support.”

The study also found that veterans experiencing the greatest reintegration challenges were more likely to be medically discharged, unemployed or outside the workforce, and reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms and nightmare distress.

According to Miriam, recognising these distinct patterns can help organisations deliver more effective support.

“Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, these findings show we can better identify veterans’ needs and connect them with the right support at the right time. For some, that may be education and peer support. Others may require coordinated multidisciplinary care.”

Importantly, the research found that cultural adjustment (the shift from military to civilian life) was a significant challenge for many veterans, even when they were not experiencing severe psychological symptoms.

“Successful transition is about much more than employment or mental health alone,” Miriam said.

“It’s also about identity, belonging, purpose and rebuilding connections within the civilian community.”

The findings provide valuable evidence to inform future veteran policy, service design and clinical care, supporting more targeted approaches that recognise the diverse experiences of Australia’s veteran community.

The study, Understanding Psychosocial Adjustment in Military-to-Civilian Transition: A Latent Profile Analysis of Ex-Serving Australian Defence Force Members has been published in Military Psychology, see link below.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact: Michelle Ford Russ, Senior Communications and Engagement Officer, Gallipoli Medical Research via 07 3394 7284 or FordRussM@GallipoliResearch.org.au