Generational welcomes: comparing the reintegration of Vietnam Veterans and Iraq Veterans

Abstract

Vietnam veterans went through an imperfect reintegration experience while they were readjusting to living in civilian society after their service. They would receive estrangement from society due to their connection to the war, experience high unemployment levels, struggle with the VA in securing medical care and benefits, and many would deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. The harsh nature of Vietnam veterans readjusting to society would be acknowledged with the construction of the Vietnam War Memorial, leading to veterans’ well-being becoming a top priority. America would enter another large scale conflict in 2003 with the Iraq War. After that war ended, Iraq veterans would attempt to reintegrate back into society. Because of the experiences of their predecessors, Iraq veterans would not experience the same estrangement from society and were prioritized in federal hiring practices. But they would also struggle with the Department of Veteran Affairs securing medical help and dealing with another combat induced affliction called Traumatic Brain Injuries. Keywords: History, Reintegration, Readjustment, Vietnam, Iraq, Veteran, War, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder / PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury / TBI, Veteran Affairs / Department of Veteran Affairs / VA, Employment, Occupation, Estrangement, Alienation, Draft, Draftee, Volunteer, Deployment, America, Suicide