I am pleased to share our newly published research exploring the experiences of UK Armed Forces Reservists returning home and to civilian employment following deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan.
Published in the Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, the study was led by Sofia Franchini and used data from 912 Reservists who participated in the third phase of a UK military cohort study between 2014 and 2016.
Homecoming is not a single transition. For Reservists, it involves adjusting both to life at home and to a civilian workplace that may have continued without them.
What did we find?
The findings present a nuanced picture of post-deployment reintegration:
- 74.5% of Reservists reported no major problems when returning from deployment.
- Around half felt well supported by the military.
- 70.6% nevertheless experienced at least one challenge when coming home.
- Negative homecoming experiences and difficulties returning to civilian employment were associated with an increased likelihood of probable post-traumatic stress disorder, common mental disorders and alcohol misuse.
- Feeling supported by the military was associated with a lower risk of adverse mental health outcomes.
Why does this matter?
Reservists occupy a distinctive position within the Armed Forces. Following deployment, they must move not only from an operational environment back into family and community life, but also return to civilian employment.
This transition can be difficult for employers, colleagues and families to fully understand. The findings reinforce the importance of support that recognises the particular circumstances of Reservists, including the role of the military, civilian employers and wider support networks.
Although the data reflect deployments and experiences from an earlier period, the study provides valuable evidence about the challenges that can arise during reintegration. It can help inform future policy and support for Reservists returning from deployment.
Read the paper
The paper was authored by Sofia Franchini, Marie-Louise Sharp, Margaret Jones, Niamh Molloy, Daniel Leightley, Simon Wessely, Sharon Stevelink and Nicola Fear.