Perceived Military to Civilian Transition Among Indian Ex-Servicemen and Its Effect on Life Satisfaction: Mediating Role of Coping Strategies

Abstract

The Indian armed forces require a youthful, experienced, and focused force to manage wide spectrum of combat-related work, making retirement a critical aspect of military organization. Annually, nearly 60,000 military personnel from the Indian armed forces retire or are released from active service. This study explores the subjective experience of Military to Civilian Transition and Life Satisfaction among Ex-servicemen (ESM) in India. The first objective is to operationalize and develop a tool for measuring the subjective experience of Military to Civilian Transition among ESM. Perceived Military to Civilian Transition (PMCT) is defined as the subjective experience of transitioning from military to civilian life, involving changes in vocational, social, health, and family domains. Through cross-sectional surveys (Study 1 N = 25, Study 2= 82, Study 3=368), a 9-item psychometric tool for evaluating PMCT was developed and validated, demonstrating satisfactory internal consistency, composite reliability and model fit. A correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using a sample of 368 re employed, married, male ESM. Data was collected via Google Forms on the PMCT scale, Brief COPE, and satisfaction scales from the Well-being Inventory. Descriptive analysis was followed by Hypothesis testing using simple regression analysis, simple mediation analysis and One-way ANOVA. The results of second objective revealed that PMCT has a negative impact on Life Satisfaction. Further, the third objective was achieved by performing the simple mediation analysis. The coping strategies substance use and self-blame complementarily mediate the relationship between PMCT and Life satisfaction while emotional support serve as competitive mediators. However, venting, instrumental support, positive reframing, humour, acceptance and religion did not mediate the relationship between PMCT and Life Satisfaction. The final objective examines sociodemographic differences in PMCT and life satisfaction among ESM. The analysis showed significant variations in PMCT and Life Satisfaction based on military rank and re employment status. There is significant difference in PMCT and Life Satisfaction between ESM retired from Officer rank as compared to ESM retired from Sepoy & NCO, JCO rank. While, no significant difference was observed in PMCT and Life Satisfaction between ESM retired from Sepoy & NCO rank as compared to ESM retired from JCO rank. Incase of re-employment, Unemployed ESM have significantly higher PMCT and lower Life Satisfaction as compared to Re-employed and Retired ESM. The results indicate that ESMs retiring from lower military ranks and those unemployed post-retirement experience higher PMCT and lower satisfaction. I In conclusion, this study delves into the nuanced dynamics of PMCT and Satisfaction among Indian ESM, identifying significant coping strategies and sociodemographic disparities. It reveals that PMCT adversely affects Life satisfaction, with varying coping strategies mediating these effects. Employing the healthy coping strategies of Emotional Support reduces distress, while unhealthy coping strategies of Substance Use and Self-blame increase distress. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for smoother transitions, especially for unemployed and lower-ranking ESM. Policymakers and practitioners must leverage these insights to develop tailored interventions supporting ESM's well-being post-service, thus fostering a smoother MCT in Indian ESM.