Military service can shape nearly every part of a person's life, from daily routines and relationships to identity, purpose, and a sense of belonging. For some veterans and active-duty service members, the challenges of service don't simply disappear when the uniform comes off. Transitioning to a new career, retiring from service, adjusting to family life, or simply finding people who understand your experiences can sometimes feel isolating. That's where a veteran support group can provide an important source of connection.
A support group can offer a place to talk, listen, share experiences, and connect with people who understand the culture and challenges that can come with military service. At The Lighted Path LLC, we created Beyond the Boots & Camouflage as an online peer support and mentor group for military veterans and active-duty service members.
What Is a Veteran Support Group?
A veteran support group is a space where veterans can connect with others who have shared or similar experiences. Unlike traditional individual therapy, a peer support group focuses heavily on connection and shared understanding. You don't necessarily have to explain every aspect of military culture or your experiences to someone who has lived through something similar. Sometimes, simply knowing that someone else understands can make a difference.
A veteran support group may provide a place to:
- Talk about life after military service
- Connect with other veterans
- Discuss challenges associated with transitioning to civilian life
- Share experiences and perspectives
- Talk about changes in identity or purpose
- Navigate relationship or family challenges
- Discuss stress and burnout
- Listen to others without feeling pressured to have all the answers
- Build a sense of community
Why Can Life After Military Service Feel Difficult?
Military service can become an important part of a person's identity. When that role changes or ends, it can sometimes create questions such as: "Who am I now?", "What is my purpose?", "Where do I fit?", and "How do I explain my experiences to people who weren't there?".
For some people, transitioning out of military service can mean adjusting to a completely different environment. Daily routines may change, relationships may change, work may change, responsibilities may change, and even the way someone understands themselves can change.
The current transition may also bring up feelings that weren't as noticeable while someone was focused on their responsibilities during service. A support group can provide an opportunity to work through some of these experiences alongside people who understand the culture of service.
You Don't Have to Be Struggling With a Mental Health Diagnosis to Benefit From Support
One misconception about support groups is that you have to be experiencing a serious mental health concern before you can participate. That's not necessarily the case. Sometimes people simply want:
- Connection
- Community
- Understanding
- A place to talk
- Someone who "gets it"
- Support during a major life transition
You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. And you don't have to know exactly what you need. Sometimes the first step is simply finding a place where you don't have to explain yourself quite so much.
Support for Active-Duty Service Members Matters, Too
Veteran support isn't only about life after leaving the military. Active-duty service members can also experience stress related to:
- Deployment
- Career demands
- Family responsibilities
- Changes in routine
- Relationships
- Burnout
- Transitions between assignments
- Questions about the future
Having a supportive community can be valuable while someone is still serving. That's why Beyond the Boots & Camouflage is designed for both military veterans and active-duty military members.
What Happens in a Veteran Support Group?
You may be wondering "What do we actually talk about?" There isn't necessarily one answer. A peer support group can be shaped by the people participating and the experiences they're comfortable sharing. Topics may include:
- Life After Service
- Adjusting to civilian life, retirement, or a new career can take time.
- Identity and Purpose
- Leaving or changing a military role can bring questions about identity and what's next.
- Relationships and Family
- Transitions can affect spouses, partners, children, friendships, and other relationships.
- Stress and Burnout
- Service-related demands can leave people feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted.
- Difficult Experiences
Participants may want to talk about experiences that are difficult to explain to people who haven't lived through similar situations. Sometimes the most valuable part of a group is simply realizing you're not the only one experiencing something.
Do I Have to Talk?
No. One of the questions we hear about support groups is whether participants will be expected to share personal experiences immediately. With Beyond the Boots & Camouflage, participants can participate at a level that feels comfortable for them. You can listen, you can share when you're ready, and you can simply be present. The goal is to create a supportive environment, not pressure participants into sharing more than they're comfortable sharing.
Online Veteran Support Groups Can Make Connection Easier
Finding an in-person support group isn't always convenient. Work schedules, transportation, location, family responsibilities, and other commitments can make attending an in-person group difficult. An online veteran support group provides another option.
Beyond the Boots & Camouflage meets online through a secure telehealth platform, allowing participants to connect without needing to travel to an office. For someone who is already navigating a major transition, having a convenient way to connect can make taking that first step easier.
Meet the Facilitator
Beyond the Boots & Camouflage is led by Jeff Abernathy, a U.S. Marine veteran and retired Albuquerque Police Department lieutenant. Jeff brings both personal experience as a veteran and 25 years of service with the Albuquerque Police Department. His experience gives him an understanding of the culture of service and the transitions that can happen between different roles, careers, and stages of life. That shared understanding is an important part of creating a space where participants can feel comfortable connecting with others.
Is a Veteran Support Group the Same as Therapy?
No. This is an important distinction. Beyond the Boots & Camouflage is a peer support group, not a replacement for individual therapy or crisis services. A support group and individual therapy can serve different purposes. Individual therapy provides an opportunity to work privately with a therapist on personal concerns, symptoms, relationships, trauma, or other mental health needs.
A peer support group focuses more heavily on connection, shared experiences, listening, and community. For some people, one may be helpful. For others, both types of support may have a place in their overall wellness.
You Don't Have to Navigate the Transition Alone
Whether you're currently serving or have already completed your military service, you don't have to navigate every transition by yourself. Finding people who understand the culture, responsibilities, and experiences associated with military service can provide a valuable sense of connection. Sometimes support looks like therapy. Sometimes it looks like talking with someone who understands. And sometimes it starts with simply showing up and listening. You don't have to have the perfect words. You just have to take the first step.
Join Beyond the Boots & Camouflage
The Lighted Path LLC offers Beyond the Boots & Camouflage, an online peer support and mentor group created for military veterans and active-duty service members.
The group currently meets:
When: Begins October 8th, every Thursdays
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Online via secure telehealth
Cost: $60 per session
Facilitated by Jeff Abernathy, U.S. Marine Veteran & Retired APD Lieutenant
If you're looking for an online veteran support group where you can connect with others who understand the experience of service, we'd love to hear from you.