Military and Veterans Studies Commons^™

Research Brief: "Military Marriages: The Aftermath Of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Oif) And Operation Enduring Freedom (Oef) Deployments", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research studies military families and personal relationships after returning from conflict. The study found that couples with open communication increase the ability to bond and build empathy, therefore policies supporting family communitation are reccomended. In future studies, researchers should include a more diverse sample of military families and also service members with and without war-related trauma.

Research Brief: "Meeting Family And Military Needs Through Military Child Care", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes an examination of how members of military marriages were affected by and adapted to OIF/OEF deployment.

Research Brief: "Health And Health Behavior Differences: U.S. Military, Veteran, And Civilian Men", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the health differences between veteran men, active duty men, National Guard/Reserve men, and civilian men. In policy and practice, organizations besides the VA should expand their preventative health services and health education for veterans, and policymakers should push health and healthcare access initiatives for veterans and service members. Suggestions for future research include collecting data over time, accounting for deployment and combat experience, and adding more thorough measures of health conditions within both veterans and civilians.

Research Brief: "Adolescent Well-Being In Washington State Military Families", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the quality of life experienced by adolescents when dealing with the stressors associated with parental deployment, which include increased problems with mental health and well-being. Suggestions for future research include testing different variables not previously examined by this study, such as length of parental deployment, as well as greater sample of military families which are able to reflect a wider array of the population.

Research Brief: "Access To Care For Women Veterans: Delayed Healthcare And Unmet Need", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study builds on previous research that shows there are female veteran-specific access barriers to health care, and explores reasons for those barriers. For policy and practice, the study shows that potential barriers to healthcare for female veterans include not being able to afford healthcare or time to seek treatment, and that healthcare reform policies could eliminate some of these barriers. Future research includes analyzing the health consequences of delayed care, various caregiver responsibilities that serve as barriers to seeking treatment, and non-VA users' access to healthcare.

Research Brief: "Risk Factors For Homelessness Among Women Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the characteristics of female veterans who are affected by homelessness. In policy and practice, gender-specific care and treatment should be given to homeless female veterans since veteran women experience more homelessness than non-veteran women; policymakers should increase female-only homeless veteran programs and broaden transitional housing programs for female veterans who have experienced trauma. Suggestions for future research include analyzing non-institutionalized female veterans by having control groups in the study, expanding the sample to be more geographically representative, collecting data over a period of time, and finding job training, housing, and military sexual trauma treatment for homeless …

Research Brief: "Work-Related Quality Of Life And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Female Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among female veterans, and found that about 10.2% of female veterans using the VA in 2009 had a diagnosis of PTSD, compared to 7.8% of their male counterparts. In practice, occupational program facilitators and health professionals should focus on creating interventions that target the needs of veterans with multiple diagnoses. For policy, policymakers should also focus on initiatives that serve both female veterans with multiple diagnoses and health professionals providing care to these veterans. Suggestions for future study include having large samples of female veterans and performing gender comparisons in data analysis, …

Research Brief: "A New Generation Of Women Veterans: Stressors Faced By Women Deployed To Iraq And Afghanistan", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study analyzes the effect of experiencing combat on the physical and mental health of female veterans as compared to male veterans. For policy and practice, the research shows that female veterans who experienced combat might not reach out for health services, and therefore those barriers should be identified and addressed. Suggestions for future research include conducting studies with larger sample sizes and representative samples, as well as addressing the interpersonal stress female veterans experience.

Research Brief: "Coming Home: Student Veterans’ Articulation Of College Re-Enrollment", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study indicated that veterans experienced initial academic challenges but employed maturity, mission mentality, and perseverance to mitigate these obstacles. In practice, identifying student veterans as they enter and re-enroll in college is crucial, as some may not overtly identify as military veterans. Policymakers can work to create policies that provide resources and support for educational institutions focused on positive outcomes for student veterans. Suggestions for future study include obtaining a random, diverse sample of veterans, as well as comparing veterans’ experiences across institutions with strong military heritage and those without such a history in order to determine whether or …

Research Brief: "U.S. Military Veterans Transition To College: Combat, Ptsd, And Alienation On Campus", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study uses stress process theory to explore the effects of various stressors and resources on student veterans’ campus experiences. In practice, on-campus initiatives should focus on social integration for student veterans, as many have stated that they do not fit in on campus, or feel unfairly judged by faculty and their peers. In policy, policymakers can ensure that educational institutions with student counseling and resource centers hire trained professionals for those centers. Suggestions for future study include using longitudinal data to investigate the relationship between combat experiences, available resources, and the severity of mental health problems over time, as …

Research Brief: "The Long War And Parental Combat Deployment: Effects On Military Children And At-Home Spouses", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research examines stress on spouses and children as a result of family deployment during the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and found that the cumulative length of parental deployment was associated with an increased risk of child depression. This study indicates that children who have experienced more cumulative months of combat deployments over their lifetime are at a greater risk for psychological distress, and would benefit from policy that promotes programs addressing the needs of families during deployment and upon return from active duty. Future research should draw a random sample of families to counter any bias …

Research Brief: "Family Reintegration Difficulties And Couples Therapy For Military Veterans And Their Spouses", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The research in this brief shows that there is a negative association within combat deployment, military families, and spousal relationships. These groups need the proper resources to have successful family reintegration, and additional issues during this process can be exacerbated by pre-existing psychological trauma and family issues. Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) is a potential solution to relieving these challenges. Future research in this field should include additional research into types of therapies and their effects on comorbidities in military families, as well as empirical research into elements which might help prior to deployment.

Research Brief: "Psychological Sequelae Of Combat Violence: A Review Of The Impact Of Ptsd On The Veteran’S Family And Possible Interventions", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes a review of how veterans' PTSD following exposure to combat violence affects veterans' familial relationships and the psychological adjustment of family members.

Research Brief: "Caregiver Objective Burden And Assessments Of Patient-Centered, Family-Focused Care For Frail Elderly Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about quality care for elderly veterans and how mental health of the patient can impact caregiver burden. For practice and policy, healthcare providers should include family caregivers in decisions about best course of care for elderly veterans, caregivers should communicate with physicians on the things that increase caregiver burden, and veterans' health organizations should create programs for caregivers to address caregiver burden. Suggestions for future research include using data from different points in time and looking at elderly veterans' health experiences outside of the VA system.

Research Brief: "The Effect Of Veterans Benefits On Education And Earnings", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This study found that veterans’ benefits which subsidize education make up the largest federal program for student aid, and that veterans’ benefits are estimated to increase future schooling by 1.4 years, meaning annual earnings for these veterans will be 6% higher than they would have been otherwise. In practice, that implies annual earnings approximately 6% higher than would have been expected in the absence of the benefits. In policy, policymakers should note that this study found smaller effects on earnings and education than previous studies have found. Suggestions for future study include comparing the annual earnings premium for veterans’ benefit …

Unemployed Veterans During A Recession: Factors Affecting The Completion Rate Of The Vocational Rehabilitation And Employment Program, Chris Witt

Political Science Theses and Capstones

The purpose of my research is to determine what factors affect the outcome of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. Previous literature examines individuals from each state in various stages of the program to determine which factors cause their individual outcome. Although previous research covered a broad spectrum of factors there still remains a lack of significant evidence to determine the observed outcome. I added state expenditures to the previous data to attempt to determine whether or not there is a correlation between funding and the completion of the program. I used the Department of Veteran Affairs 2007 Veterans Employability …

Research Brief: "Military Training And Personality Trait Development: Does The Military Make The Man, Or Does The Man Make The Military?", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about whether students who join the military in Germany have a difference in personality compared to those who do not, and whether military service changes service members' personalities. In practice and policy, policymakers should consider how military experience affects service members' long-term health and well-being. Suggestions for future research include also studying female service members and expanding the sample to other countries to see whether the same effects occur in other countries' military personnel.

Research Brief: "The Children Of Military Service Members: Challenges, Supports, And Future Educational Research", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes an analysis on how the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have led to concerning psychological, behavioral, and academic outcomes for children in military families.

Research Brief: "Bmi Trajectory Groups In Veterans Of The Iraq And Afghanistan Wars", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about obesity rates among OEF/OIF veterans and how race, education level, gender, and use of the VA play a role in obesity rates. For practice and policy, a fitness education program should be implemented by the VA to help lower obesity rates since obesity can cause more serious health problems. Suggestions for future research include expanding the study to involve veterans from other military eras and expanding the study to look at more risks associated with obesity.

Research Brief: "Veteran Status, Race-Ethnicity, And Marriage Among Fragile Families", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief summarizes an examination of the impact of men's past military service on the likelihood that a couple will marry within 5 years of a nonmarital birth.

Research Brief: "Military Service And (Dis) Continuity In The Life Course: Evidence On Dis- Advantage And Mortality From The Health And Retirement Study And The Study Of Assets And Health Dynamics Among The Oldest-Old", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about influence of military service on later-life mortality among veterans. In policy and practice, programs should provide more services for African American veterans whose fathers had a lower education, and policies should focus on employment status, income, health conditions, smoking habits, and obesity when addressing veteran mortality likelihood. Suggestions for future research include broadening the study's sample, incorporating length of service and historical context of service into the study, and expanding the number of variables studied.

Veterans Court: Towards The Implementation Of A Collaborative Justice Model In San Luis Obispo County, Daniel Smee

Continuing Education (CAPSTONE)

Veterans’ treatment courts represent an emerging trend across the country of collaborative justice designed to deal with criminal justice issues stemming from problems linked to military service. This approach places the veteran in VA (Veterans Affairs) treatment programs as a diversion from incarceration. There are few such courts in California (nine) largely in non-rural counties. This study investigated two rural counties, Tulare and Santa Barbara with Veterans courts to develop a model for such a court in San Luis Obispo County. Early recidivism data at the one-year point for Tulare County showed a zero percent rate of criminal behavior (12 …

Understanding The Experience Of Air Force Single Parents: A Phenomenological Study, Samantha Everhart Blanchard

Dissertations and Theses

Today, raising children under the best of circumstances represents a daunting endeavor as any parent and a growing body of research confirm. When a single parent is on active duty in one of the U.S. armed forces, there are additional challenges involved that may not exist among civilian counterparts. The phenomenon of single parents on active duty with its unique difficulties associated both with single parenting and with military service was the basis of this study. The purpose of the research was twofold: to describe the experiences of Air Force single parents as related to social support and work-life theory …

Ua68/8/2 Potter College Of Arts & Letters History Oral History Committee, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Records created by the Oral History Committee. Series includes oral history interview tapes and transcriptions.

Manning Up: A Look At Women In The Military And Their Sense Of Self, Kari Elizabeth Davis

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to uncover identity shaping in women of the military. I interviewed eleven women from various branches of the military to uncover changes in their sense of self, emotion management, and role person merge. Six of these my respondents were deployed to combat zones. The women of this study went to basic training and learned how to be a soldier. They go through a process of "manning up" where they leave behind prior behaviors and beliefs and display a masculine front in order to be successful in their military careers. They also demonstrate a role …

Research Brief: "Secondary Trauma And Military Veteran Caregivers", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the stress that occurs for caregivers of veterans due to secondary trauma. In policy and practice, caregivers can continuously monitor themselves for symptoms of secondary trauma, maintain a balance between professional life and personal life, and promote a supportive culture within the caregiver community; policies should acknowledge that secondary trauma stressors do exist for caregivers and should look for ways to reduce the negative effects of secondary trauma stressors. Suggestions for future research include using econometric models to detect relevant factors for risk of developing secondary trauma stressors.

Research Brief: "Military Service And Men’S Health Trajectories In Later Life", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief is about the health and age-related changes of wartime male veterans during later years in life as compared to non-veterans and non-wartime veterans. In policy and practice, veterans reaching retirement age, with help from their families, should pay attention to their health in case any conditions arise, and health policies should look at early-life health in addition to later-life health. Suggestions for future research include performing studies over time on younger veterans as they age and clearing up biases within the sampling processes.

2011-2012 Us Army War College Key Strategic Issues List, Antulio J. Echevarria Ii

Articles & Editorials

No abstract provided.

Ike Was Right, Ann Abdoo

Citizens for Peace

This essay gives an overview of nuclear proliferation, and President Dwight (Ike) D. Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex and his proposal for a more peaceful world. It was published in the Michigan Department of Peace Campaign, Political Action Guide 2011-2013.

The Political Action Guide is published by Citiens for Peace, a grassroots organization from Michigan's 11th Congressional District. The Guide includes information on the Department of Peace Legislation, historical and current as well as information on ways to become politically active.

Within the Guide, there is also a directory of many Michigan organizations working for a more peaceful …

Emotion Work On The Home-Front: The Special Case Of Military Wives, Kimberly Michelle Murray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research includes interviews with twelve military wives to examine emotion-work techniques used to negotiate the everyday life of wives during their husbands' deployment. In this study, I seek to better understand the ways in which military wives negotiate their feelings within a context of military masculinity and how they manage role strain, feelings of loneliness, isolation, and marginalization. In addition, I examine the cultural constructs available to wives, such as traditional gender roles and subordination. Interviews confirm the complexity of the life of the military wife, revealing challenges of contradictory emotions in relationship to the military, her husband, her …