Crazy writers

Free Essay Samples > Essays > Sociology > Sociological Issues > The Basic Needs of Veterans: Health, Employment, and Education

The Basic Needs of Veterans: Health, Employment, and Education

1. Introduction

Veterans are people who have served in the armed forces of their country. In the United States, a veteran is defined as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable” (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). Veterans make up a relatively small proportion of the population, but they have unique needs that must be met in order for them to lead healthy and productive lives. This paper will discuss the basic needs of veterans in the areas of health, employment, and education.

2. Medical care

One of the most important needs of veterans is access to quality medical care. Veterans are more likely than non-veterans to suffer from physical and mental health problems. For example, nearly one-third of veterans who served in Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Johnson et al., 2009). Veterans are also more likely than non-veterans to suffer from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). These mental health problems can lead to suicide; in fact, suicide rates among veterans are nearly double those of non-veterans (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014).

Physical health problems are also common among veterans. Many veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from blast-related injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and loss of limbs (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). In addition, older veterans are at risk for a variety of chronic physical health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014).

The high prevalence of physical and mental health problems among veterans highlights the importance of access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, many veterans do not have access to the care they need. For example, nearly one million veterans are enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), but only about half of them receive all of their care within the VHA system (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). This means that many veterans do not have access to VHA hospitals and clinics, which can make it difficult for them to get the care they need. In addition, wait times for appointments at VHA facilities are often longer than at non-VHA facilities (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). This can make it difficult for veterans to get timely care for their physical and mental health problems.

3. Psychological adjustment

In addition to medical care, another basic need of veterans is psychological adjustment after returning home from military service. Deployment can be a very stressful experience; servicemen and women often witness horrific events and are exposed to dangers on a daily basis (U.S. Department of Defense, 2014). Not surprisingly, many veterans experience psychological difficulties after returning home from deployment (Ulin & Silberfarb, 2009). For example, studies have found that deployed soldiers are more likely than non-deployed soldiers to experience symptoms of PTSD (Johnson et al., 2009; Ulin & Silberfarb, 2009). In addition, deployment is associated with an increased risk of divorce (Johnson et al., 2009).

The psychological adjustment process can be further complicated by the fact that many veterans do not receive the support they need from their families and friends. For example, a study of soldiers who served in Afghanistan found that nearly one-third of them reported feeling isolated from their families when they returned home (Ulin & Silberfarb, 2009). This isolation can make it difficult for veterans to adjust to life after military service.

4. Post-military employment

Another basic need of veterans is post-military employment. Unfortunately, unemployment rates among veterans are often higher than among non-veterans (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). This is particularly true for younger veterans, who are more likely than older veterans to be unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). The high unemployment rates among veterans can lead to financial difficulties and mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014).

There are a number of programs and initiatives that are designed to help veterans find employment. For example, the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers a variety of services to help veterans find jobs (U.S. Department of Labor, 2014). In addition, there are a number of franchising opportunities available specifically for veterans (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). These programs can be helpful for some veterans, but more needs to be done to improve employment outcomes for all veterans.

5. Education

Veterans also have unique needs in the area of education. Many veterans receive educational benefits, such as the GI Bill, which can help them pay for college (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). However, these benefits are not always enough to cover the full cost of college; in addition, they may not be available to all veterans. For example, the GI Bill does not cover the cost of room and board, which can make it difficult for veterans to attend college (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014). In addition, many colleges and universities do not have programs specifically for veteran students, which can make it difficult for them to transition from military to civilian life (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014).

Fortunately, there are a number of programs and initiatives that are designed to help veterans with their educational needs. For example, the Veterans’ Center at the University of California, Los Angeles offers a variety of services specifically for veteran students (UCLA Veterans Center, 2014). In addition, many colleges and universities have staff members who are specifically trained to work with veteran students (UCLA Veterans Center, 2014). These programs can be helpful for some veterans, but more needs to be done to improve educational outcomes for all veterans.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, medical care, psychological adjustment, post-military employment and advancement in education are the basic needs of a veteran after coming back home. Many organizations such as the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service and the Veterans’ Center at UCLA provide services which contribute to meeting these needs; however much more needs to be done in order ensure that all veterans have access to quality medical care, employment opportunities and education resources so that they can lead healthy and productive lives

FAQ

Military service can affect veterans' health in a number of ways. Some veterans may suffer from physical injuries sustained during their time in service, while others may experience mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, many veterans are exposed to hazardous materials and environments during their service, which can lead to long-term health problems.

The most common health problems faced by veterans include physical injuries, mental health issues, and exposure to hazardous materials and environments.

Military service can affect veterans' education opportunities in a number of ways. Some veterans may have difficulty adjusting to the civilian educational system after serving in the military. Additionally, many veterans receive financial assistance for their education through the GI Bill or other programs, but this assistance is often not enough to cover the full cost of tuition and other expenses.

The most common employment challenges faced by veterans include finding a job that pays a livable wage and adjusting to the civilian workplace culture after serving in the military.

There are a number of resources available to help Veterans transition to civilian life, including career counseling, job training programs, financial assistance, and support groups for Veterans with PTSD or other mental health issues.

7. Some ways to improve Veteran's access to healthcare and education services include increasing funding for programs that provide financial assistance, improving outreach and awareness of available resources, and simplifying the process for accessing benefits.