Marines attend REBOOT! at Camp Pendleton, a three week transitioning program to prepare service members for civilian life. (Photo: Cpl. Eugenio Montanez, 1st Marine Division)
A regional study led by the Military and Veterans Programs, or MVP, at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work has revealed insights into the changing needs of Veterans in Southern California as they transition from active duty to civilian life.
The State of the American Veteran: The Southern California Veterans Study, funded by the RAND-USC Epstein Family Foundation Center for Veterans Policy Research, is a first-of-its-kind study, surveying nearly 3,200 Veterans across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.
The study employed a combination of in-person and online surveys to understand the different aspects of the Veteran experience, including their general well-being, physical and mental health, relationships, access to care, and unmet needs.
Notably, the study highlighted several challenges facing Veterans in the region, including housing, employment, physical and mental health, and substance abuse. Additionally, it underscored issues such as loneliness among Veterans, the unique challenges faced by Women Veterans, and the prevalence of food insecurity among Veterans.
The Southern California Veterans Study revealed an absence of emotional preparedness for Veterans transitioning from the military. Many Veterans reported feeling unprepared for challenges such as job searches, housing, and the emotional toll of leaving the military. Sara Kintzle, associate research professor in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, emphasized the need to address these emotional challenges and equip service members with the tools to navigate them effectively.
One of the significant barriers to seeking help, as emphasized by the study, is the prevailing attitude among Veterans that they should handle their challenges independently. The military culture ingrains self-reliance and reluctance to admit vulnerability, making it challenging to convince Veterans to seek help. Shifting this mindset is an ongoing challenge, as the study points out.
The research also challenged the notion that Veteran suicide rates are solely driven by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and combat service. It suggested that identity crises during transition periods, such as joining the military or returning to civilian life, contribute to suicide ideation. Therefore, understanding the complex needs and challenges Veterans face is essential.
Previous studies by USC Military and Veterans Programs resulted in increased funding for Veteran services and encouraged collaborative approaches by community organizations. With the insights from The Southern California Veterans Study, local agencies and Veterans’ organizations are better equipped to understand the multifaceted challenges Veterans confront today.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
