The transition of military veterans from active service to civilian life: impact of transition on families and the role of the family, support, and recognition

In this chapter we review the literature that exists in the area of transition for families in a military context, using the UK and Estonia for comparative purposes. The authors will use a variation of their Model of Transition in Veterans (MoTiVe), an applied approach based on Bourdieusian theory, to explore military to civilian transition from a familial perspective. We will then explore the varying dynamics of family within modern society and consider whether militaries have made corresponding changes in policy and practice. The chapter will draw on the responses elicited from the NATO transition survey. The focus will be on the specific area of transition from the military to civilian life and will aim to review the current pan-NATO policies for practice in this area.