“Lifers”: exit from the armed forces after 36 years’ service

Wilson-Smith, K. M. and Corr, P. J. (2019) “Lifers”: exit from the armed forces after 36 years’ service. In: Wilson-Smith, K.M. and Corr, P..J. (eds.) Military Identity and the Transition into Civilian Life. Palgrave Pivot, pp. 27-41. ISBN 9783030123376 (doi: 0.1007/978-3-030-12338-3_3)

Abstract

John provides the first of three stories explored in this book. John served a total of 36 years with the military holding a variety of roles both in full-time and Reserve service. He outlines the transition from regular service to civilian life and allows us to explore his lived experience and ‘sense-making’ as he recalls it. John provides us with insight into the impact of military exit on both his own identity and his relationship with others around him. In the second half of this chapter, we provide psychological perspectives alongside John’s story in order that the reader can consider the application of theories, such as Social Identity Theory and other research on military identity, in order to better understand John’s experiences.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson-Smith, Dr Kevin
• Authors: Wilson-Smith, K. M., and Corr, P. J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Publisher: Palgrave Pivot
• ISBN: 9783030123376