RESEARCH ARTICLE The Challenges of Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans ’ Transition from Military to Civilian Life and Approaches to Reconnection

Afghanistan and Iraq veterans experienced traumas during deployment, and disrupted connections with friends and family. In this context, it is critical to understand the nature of veterans ’ transition to civilian life, the challenges navigated, and approaches to reconnec-tion. We investigated these issues in a qualitative study, framed by homecoming theory, that comprised in-depth interviews with 24 veterans. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we developed three overarching themes.Military as family explored how many veterans experienced the military environment as a “family ” that took care of them and provided structure. Normal is alien encompassed many veterans experiences of dis-connection from people at home, lack of support from institutions, lack of structure, and loss of purpose upon return to civilian life. Searching for a new normal included strate-gies and supports veterans found to reconnect in the face of these challenges. A veteran who had successfully transitioned and provided support and advice as a peer navigator was frequently discussed as a key resource. A minority of respondents—those who were mistreated by the military system, women veterans, and veterans recovering from sub