The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the challenges and barriers faced by combat veterans while they underwent the reintegration process into mainstream society following their return from deployments. Areas addressed included combat veteran's emotions upon returning home from deployments; type of assistance they received from their support systems; how military culture impacted their familial and/or support system relationships; problems they experienced while adjusting to their former routines; and any residual sentiments they experienced from their deployments that influenced their reintegration process. Fourteen combat veterans who resided in Los Angeles or Orange County, California were interviewed.

Combat veterans stated being unable to discuss their sentiments regarding their deployment experiences, due to a lack of shared experiences with both civilians and their families. When they rejoined civilian life, they surrounded themselves with other former military servicemen. Despite their struggles, these combat veterans stated their families provided immense support.