Suchergebnisse

Armed Forces Veterans usually do well in civilian life, a small minority sadly do suffer, but those that do well adjust their military skills, knowledge, and technical expertise to benefit the civilian organizations that employ them. However, in the media and in general usage, the term "veteran" does not necessarily conjure up a valuable, potential resource trained and paid for at the taxpayer's expense, but rather, if at all, someone who has been removed from civilian life and returned to it with a different outlook, and as a person not understood by those who have never served. This conversation argues that more needs to be done to identify the benefits of employing armed forces veterans.

The armed forces veterans' support sector is vast and, some would argue, overprovided for. At a time when some long-established ex-armed forces support organizations appear to be losing members, Armed Forces and Veterans' Breakfast Clubs (AFVBCs) continue to grow. This article examines this phenomenon arguing that AFVBCs, which are organized in a somewhat unconventional way, provide a safe domain for veterans to reminisce, provide mutual support with others who share the same experiences, and understand military service and the difficulties of transition to civilian life, all factors which contribute to their well-being. They enable the generation and protection of military identity which is highly salient and prominent for many veterans. This study sees AFVBCs as a veteran's self-help community which can also provide a focus for those responsible for implementing the Armed Forces Covenant. A total of 250 veterans contributed to this study, the majority being those who 'do well' in civilian life but with a minority who suffer in some way and need help. Veterans attending AFVBCs come from all branches of the armed forces, some having served for a short period and others a full career. Data were collected face-to-face at one AFVBC, from a study of online testimonials, conversations with the AFVBC founder and an online survey.