Military, work, and health characteristics of separated and active service members from the study for employment retention of veterans (SERVe)

The Study for Employment Retention of Veterans (SERVe) is focused on improving the health, well-being, and employment retention of military service members who are now civilian employees. The SERVe sample was comprised of employed post 9/11 service members who represent 3 categories of service members: (a) separated active duty service members (n = 235), (b) separated National Guard/Reservists (NG/R; n = 171), and (c) actively drilling NG/R (n = 87). We did not include currently serving full-time active duty military because they are not represented in the current civilian workforce, which is the focus of SERVe. Survey responses reflecting a description of military, work, and support characteristics, as well as physical and psychological health indicators, were collected from a total of 493 employed service members from 35 organizations. Separated and active service members had similar military backgrounds and reported similar work characteristics. However, there were significant differences in social support and health indices, such that separated veterans reported less support and worse physical and psychological health on many indicators compared to active NG/R. This study of employed service members is among the first to examine and show significant health and well-being differences between those who separated from military service and those still serving in the NG/R.