Retirement Transitions from the Military to the Civilian Workforce: The Perspective...

"Focus group interviews were conducted to identify significant themes present in this type of midlife transition...This paper attempts to focus on challenges and issues stemming from midlife transitions, specifically at the retirement stage. The purpose of this study was to examine transition from military service through retirement that occurs at mid-life and to seek a deeper understanding of themes which influence the experience as articulated by the individuals who are experiencing the transition" (p. 1). (Abstractor: Author)

Full Publication Title: Retirement Transitions from the Military to the Civilian Workforce: The Perspective of Marine Corps Noncommissioned Officers

The themes articulated by participants relating to separation from military life reinforce the need for greater time and assistance in managing the documentation and logistics of retirement. This differs from the concerns of civilian retirees. The psychological and social issues of role transition and loss of community structure were clearly acknowledged with participants presenting varying levels of coping skills in managing the transition. Some participants identified specific attempts to address the perceived tensions of role loss and family transition by expressing a desire to stay close to military bases after retirement. The participants’ concerns about pressures placed on their family, created by leaving the military life while maintaining their commitment to their fellow Marines was another issue which required each individual to respond based on varying levels of coping resources. According to Schlossberg, taking stock of the transition and identifying capabilities, assets, liabilities and obligations serve as aids in facilitating transition. In addition, the capabilities associated with situation awareness – perception, comprehension, projection – offer a basis for framing the transition process and in which mental models from military training can provide a guiding influence through the transition process. (Abstractor: Website Staff)

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Resource Publication Date: 2010
• Author(s): Johnston, Susan; Fletcher, Eddie; Ginn, Gina; Stein, David
• Organizational Author(s): Ohio State University, Workforce Development and Education
• Funding Source: Ohio State University
• Resource Availability: Fee required to access full report
• Posted by: Wesley Peterson
• Posted in: Workforce System Strategies