Moments of military identity change: A qualitative evidence synthesis

Introduction: The transition from military to civilian life can be one of the most profound and disruptive life changes for those who serve, one marked not only by shifts in employment, housing, and health care, but also by a fundamental reconfiguration of identity, belonging, and purpose. While military service instills a strong, collective sense of self that is rooted in discipline, solidarity, and mission, separation from service often destabilizes this identity, creating tensions that ripple across psychological, social, and cultural domains. Despite the growing body of research on Veteran reintegration, no synthesis has comprehensively examined how identity changes before, during, and after this transition. Methods: This qualitative evidence synthesis addresses the gap by drawing together experiential accounts of identity change from 169 studies. Results: The findings are structured into three overarching themes: 1) identity formation during military service, 2) identity testing during transition, and 3) identity reconstruction in civilian life. Identity formation was marked by the consolidation of military norms and values through enlistment and training, which deeply shaped Veterans’ sense of self. Transition tested these identities through collapse, tension, and challenges posed by having intersectional social identities compounded by injury and chronic pain. Reconstruction in civilian life involved navigating vocational mismatches, stigma toward physical injury and mental health conditions, valorization of the “Veteran” label, and the search for new social anchors. Discussion: Identity change emerges as a lifelong, non-linear process. These findings underscore the need for Veteran-centred supports that address identity as central to reintegration and well-being.