Lifestyle Factors in UK Veterans’ Reintegration to Civilian Life: A Qualitative Exploration

Lifestyle Factors in UK Veterans’ Reintegration to Civilian Life: A Qualitative Exploration | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Lifestyle Factors in UK Veterans’ Reintegration to Civilian Life: A Qualitative Exploration Alexandra Dowding, Michele Board, Chloe Casey This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8412508/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background This study investigates the interplay between psychological wellbeing, alcohol use and nutrition, revealing how these interconnected lifestyle factors shape veterans’ reintegration experience. Methods Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret the lived experiences of male veterans from diverse branches of the UK Armed Forces (UKAF). Six semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person or online, using open-ended questions. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results Four themes emerged. First, ‘ alcohol as a trauma response’ illustrated alcohol as a military coping mechanism persisting after discharge. Second, ‘fuelling function over nourishment’ revealed preferences for energy-dense food driven by constrained autonomy and rigid portioning. Third, ‘loss of structure to social support’ highlighted the impact of losing military bonds and structured interdependence. Finally, ‘identity and belonging’ captured veterans’ feelings of disposability and being misunderstood in civilian life. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for trauma-informed reintegration strategies addressing psychological impacts of losing structure and identity, particularly for alcohol misuse. They emphasise strengthening social support and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food and education during service and transition. Recommendations include increasing nutrient-dense foods, culinary education, reducing alcohol normalisation, and expanding peer-led mentorship for supportive reintegration. Veterans military identity alcohol consumption nutrition reintegration wellbeing Figures Figure 1 Background The transition from military to civilian life presents a complex reconfiguration of identity, routine, and psychological wellbeing as UK veterans navigate shifts in support systems and institutional expectations. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition and alcohol use, overlooked in reintegration, remain embedded in military culture as mechanisms of coping and camaraderie, shaping mental health (MH) and reintegration [ 35 ]. Transition is not simply the end of military duty, but a re‑negotiation of identity and everyday practices shaped by service [ 18 ]. Even in civilian life, military history continues to inform dietary habits and alcohol use, carrying forward cultural patterns that affect health and reintegration. Nutrition Military nutrition is treated as fuel to sustain physical performance across demanding environments, emphasising energy-density targets often at the expense of nutrient intake [ 21 ]. The priority on fuel over balanced nutrition carries into veterans’ post‑service lives, shaping dietary habits and long‑term health outcomes. O’Leary et al (2020) highlighted specific units like Special Forces frequently experience energy deficits during field training and operations, where energy expenditure exceeds intake. This sustained low energy availability impairs endocrine and metabolic function, bone health, and physical and cognitive performance [ 32 ]. Similarly, Fallowfield et al. [ 14 ] observed dietary patterns within UK garrison settings often fail to support optimal performance, with low intake of whole foods including vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and high consumption of processed meats, trans fats, and free sugars. These patterns undermine nutrition as a core military capability, limiting readiness, resilience, and recovery during service [ 42 ], while food environments from basic rations to specialised training consistently prioritise convenience and energy over quality, embedding poor nutritional habits that carry forward into civilian life [ 10 ]. Suboptimal dietary choices, energy deficits, and physical and psychological stressors increase UK Armed Forces (UKAF) personnel’s risk of undernourishment and nutrient deficiencies, which are well-documented in literature to potentially contribute to MH conditions [ 43 ]. These nutritional practices contribute to enduring risks of deficiency, with the resulting energy deficits and poor dietary quality undermining veterans’ resilience, wellbeing, and reintegration outcomes. Food is typically regimented, delivered through mess halls or ration packs, removing individual choice yet reinforcing routine and social cohesion [ 41 ]. After reintegration, this structured provision is abruptly replaced by the expectation to self-manage meals, often without prior culinary experience [ 25 ]. Additionally, veterans’ attitudes towards health and nutrition are influenced by their military background, service-related health concerns, and injuries. This includes gendered assumptions, such as the expectation that women are primarily responsible for food preparation, regardless of their own culinary skills [ 7 ]. Veterans may revert to unhealthy dietary habits driven by familiarity, emotional comfort, and lack of structured nutritional support. However, a 12-week cooking course by Dexter et al. [ 12 ] in the US showed improved confidence in nutrition and cooking among veterans. In contrast to the national US Healthy Teaching Kitchen program [ 40 ], the UK has no equivalent nationwide initiative for veterans. Cooking opportunities are sporadically offered by a few local charities, with uneven access, suggesting national initiatives could greatly benefit UK veterans. Similarly, adopting healthier routines for self-care and learning independence through growing their own food [ 5 ] fosters resilience, improves dietary quality, and supports long‑term health. With 16.9% of UK veterans living in food-insecure households, many rely on inexpensive, energy-dense, low-nutrient foods due to financial strain and limited access to healthier options [ 25 ]. Therefore, expanding initiatives across the UK requires recognition of veteran’s specific nutritional and psychosocial needs. Alcohol consumption and culture Alcohol consumption is deeply embedded within UKAF culture, reflected in mess traditions, post-operation rituals, reward structures, and informal coping practices [ 23 ]. Alcohol misuse is a systemic result of military culture due to prolonged exposure to high-stress environments and psychological trauma [ 33 ]. These patterns underscore how military experience shapes alcohol behaviours into civilian life, influencing veterans’ health. Normalisation of drinking contributes to a culture where participation is perceived as a marker of unity and camaraderie, and an accepted social norm, often pressuring individuals to conform despite personal reservations [ 33 ]. Though associations between social pressure and alcohol misuse are weak, meaning not all individuals are influenced. Research shows similarities between coping motives in the military and UK general population, suggesting individuals in high-pressure environments turn to alcohol for similar reasons [ 24 ]. Conversely, Rhead et al. [ 35 ] indicate male veterans are nearly twice as likely to engage in heavy drinking compared to civilian peers, exacerbated unemployment and disability. This compounds the risks veterans face, as behaviours rooted in military culture intersect with post‑military challenges, amplifying health and social vulnerabilities. Additionally, alcohol is frequently used as a coping mechanism to manage MH conditions, particularly depression, anxiety, and the psychological strain of readjusting to civilian life [ 23 ]. These issues frequently co-occur, with 92.8% of individuals experiencing alcohol misuse presenting with two or more MH conditions. However, limited awareness of MH symptoms, coupled with pride and preference for self-reliance, creates significant barriers to accessing support [ 22 ]. Though, veterans seeking support are often denied access to services until they reduce excessive alcohol use, a barrier that can foster feelings of isolation and significantly delay recovery [ 28 ]. Psychological wellbeing during reintegration The structured and interdependent military lifestyle fosters purpose, belonging, and identity, factors that can shield against MH concerns during service [ 29 ]. However, transition to civilian life often brings emotional instability and social disconnection [ 36 ]. Research shows that veterans may experience loss of identity and diminished self-worth when military roles dominate their self-concept [ 37 ], underscoring how military experience continues to shape veterans’ identities, wellbeing, and adjustment long after service. Veterans face difficulties with unresolved trauma, adjustment stress, and declining support networks, which heighten vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [ 30 ]. During service, fear of career repercussions and being labelled 'weak' and 'unfit' contribute to stigma around help-seeking and often persist beyond discharge, leading to underreporting of MH concerns [ 23 ]. This observation may explain lower reported PTSD rates among serving personnel relative to other psychological conditions and veterans. The authors emphasise the distinctiveness of reduced PTSD rates in male veterans, as most studies indicate higher prevalence rates [ 15 ]. This highlights not only underreporting but also the enduring cultural imprint of service on post‑military MH. Following deployment, Sparrow et al. [ 39 ] observed male personnel were more likely to commit domestic violence and abuse (DVA) through emotional abuse and controlling behaviour towards family members. Alcohol misuse, MH conditions, and combat exposure drive DVA, yet stigma especially in hypermasculine military cultures, frequently delays disclosure and intervention. Additionally, reliance on a spouse for residency, finances, and social connection creates power imbalances that obstruct help-seeking [ 39 ]. Similarly, Kwan et al. [ 27 ] reported increased family and stranger violence, with 96.4% and 99.1% respectively of incidents committed by male personnel returning from deployment. These findings highlight DVA following deployment are not isolated incidents, reflecting broader patterns shaped by institutional cultures, gender norms, and structural power imbalances that extend into family and community life. While numerous studies have investigated individual components of veteran health, there remains a significant gap in research addressing the interconnectedness of nutrition, alcohol use, and psychological wellbeing. These factors do not operate in isolation; rather, they intersect in complex ways across the military-to-civilian transition. There is a need to explore alcohol as a coping mechanism, alongside evolving dietary behaviours and their relationship to MH throughout reintegration. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by examining the convergence of these factors within the lived experiences of male veterans. By doing so, it offers a more integrated perspective on veteran health and informs the development of holistic, context-sensitive support interventions. Methods Sample Recruitment was conducted using snowball sampling through network connections and opportunity sampling, which included advertising on social media. Variation sampling aimed to gather perspectives from different military branches and varying lengths of veteran status. Table 1 provides an overview of the participants' demographic information. The motivations for sample recruitment included offering valuable insights and a desire to help others [31]. Six participants were selected based on eligibility criteria. Inclusion criteria included (1) assigned male at birth; (2) over 18 years old; (3) served at least one year in any branch of UKAF; and (4) veteran status. With time limitations and based on previous research, six participants were deemed appropriate to provide enough data for this study. Table 1. Participant Demographic Information Branch Years Served Veteran Years Age Have been deployed on operations Participant 1 Army 5-10 10-15 30-39 Yes Participant 2 Army 20+ 1-5 40-49 Yes Participant 3 Royal Marines 10-15 1-5 30-39 Yes Participant 4 Army 5-10 20+ 70-79 No Participant 5 Royal Air Force 20+ 1-5 50-59 Yes Participant 6 Royal Air Force Royal Marines 20+ 1-5 15-20 1-5 40-49 Yes Procedure A JISC online survey was created for pre-screening to ensure participants met the inclusion criteria. This survey requested the following (1) veteran status; (2) gender; (3) duration as a veteran, and 4) duration of military service. If the criteria were met, the participant information sheet was shown and following signing, additional information requested including (1) first name; (2) email address; (3) branch of UKAF; and (4) availability for an interview. The participant was contacted via email to schedule an interview. The pre-screening was designed to prohibit unnecessary data collection. Interviews were audio-recorded, allowing for verbatim transcription and all audio-files were permanently deleted once transcription was completed. Data Collection Semi-structured interviews were scheduled with the purpose to explore personal experiences, encouraging participants to discuss their transition from military to veteran life through the use of open-ended questions. Specifically designed questions for this study (see Additional file 1) discussed topics focused on nutrition, alcohol use, and wellbeing, the resources they accessed during their transition out of the military, the impact of their support system on their current situation, and the coping mechanisms they used when necessary. All interviews lasted between 60-90 minutes, and no follow-up interviews were conducted. Three interviews were conducted in-person in a mutual and private location and three via online video calls due to location, availability and willingness to participate. In-person interviews provided opportunity to establish a good rapport, potentially stemming a more open and honest conversation. Yet, this limited the participant pool, as it required availability and time to travel to the location. As in-person recruitment slowed, online interviews provided a broader pool of participants. Though it limited body language and rapport building, it enabled willing participants to participate. Online interviews were conducted using an array of software, with participants stating their preference to limit time consuming technological barriers. Data Analysis Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, corrected for inaccuracies, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s [6] reflexive thematic analysis. Transcripts were manually coded allowing for conceptualisation and an inductive method employed to create themes, which were subsequently reviewed and reclassified after additional code regeneration [8]. Then refined through iterative review with CC to ensure consistency and analytic depth. The co‑author contributed by critically reviewing emerging themes, offering alternative perspectives, and supporting their refinement to strengthen analytic validity. Themes were defined by central organising concepts, with data extracts reread in context and incoherent categories revised, split, or merged. Involving clustering related codes and identifying underlying concepts that connected them. Analytic summaries, scope clarification, and illustrative quotes supported interpretation. Final themes were presented in the findings chapter, accompanied by commentary and situated within relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. Ethical Considerations As this research involves human participants and discusses sensitive topics, ethical approval was sought and granted by Bournemouth University’s Research Ethics Committee in March 2025 (Ethics ID 61192). Identifiable data including email addresses were collected for the sole purpose of scheduling and in some cases conducting online interviews. This data was securely stored in line with the university’s data protection policy. Each participant was assigned a case number and identifying details removed from transcript and only available to researcher and supervisor. Considerations were taken with phrasing of interview questions, particularly of sensitive subjects to support participants. Participants provided written informed consent prior to interviews. Positionality As a female researcher with no military ties, I approached this study as an outsider. My interest in veterans’ mental health reflects a broader concern for men’s wellbeing in contexts where vulnerability is stigmatised. While my position limited lived experience, it offered curiosity and empathy that encouraged openness. Having faced my own mental health challenges, I am committed to creating space for veterans’ voices to be heard on their own terms. Results The veterans interviewed reflected on their experience during military service and post-service, and how their time in the military influenced their civilian life. Four themes emerged from these interviews: alcohol as a trauma response, identity and belonging, fuelling function over nourishment and loss of structure to social support. As illustrated in figure 1, the interplay between themes underscores how their presence or absence, can either exacerebate or alleviate emotional and physical vulnerabilities. This dynamic plays a critical role in shaping veterans' coping mechanisms, sense of identity, and access to meaningful support. Alcohol as a trauma response This theme captures alcohol use as both a coping mechanism and a tool for social connection, while also highlighting veterans’ sustained tolerance. Five participants indicated alcohol consumption facilitated military social integration and camaraderie: “if you were one of those individuals that did shun the whole kind of social drinking, crazy night out phase, you potentially might struggle to make as good a relationship with people in a military setting” Participant 3, Royal Marines Furthermore, five participants described military-organised nights out as reward or punishment to foster team bonding: “if you weren't gelling well as a team for whatever reason…if you were underperforming, you'd get punished…I see as a bonding practice, send everyone downtown and let everyone have a crazy night out and then potentially, everyone will work a little bit better for a team for it, because relationships are better” Participant 3, Royal Marines Two participants emphasised alcohol use as a coping strategy, particularly without alternative support systems: “nobody ever…said… after…so and so dying and you being blown up…is everybody okay?… It was just, let's get drunk again” Participant 1, Army One participant described constant availability of alcohol during deployment: “fly in pallets and pallets of tins of beer, no spirits…to keep morale up.” Participant 5, Royal Air Force (RAF) This highlights the drinking culture as an institutionalised practice, reinforcing group cohesion while normalising excessive alcohol use. However, another participant emphasised their military branch limited engagement in excessive drinking: “you tended not to drink when you were on operation…you had sort of big detox breaks where you weren't drinking, and obviously, as a pilot as well, you're not drinking the night before you go flying.” Participant 6, RAF & Royal Marines One participant described shifting from excessive alcohol consumption towards healthier lifestyle practices during service: “the culture that used to be there in the officer’s mess, you know, people having drinks…now people are at the gym instead or doing their own thing.” Participant 6, RAF & Royal Marines This suggests a growing focus on health-promoting activities, potentially mirroring broader societal norms, shifting towards wellness-oriented socialising. Yet, four participants reported family members commented on their alcohol consumption, even though they did not believe this to be true: “My wife probably thinks I drink too much now, so she probably thinks I've got a problem that I inherited from my days in the military. Personally, I don't” Participant 5, RAF This raises concerns about high-level drinking behaviours persisting after military service, suggesting habits formed during service may carry into civilian life. Fuelling function over nourishment The second theme reflects institutional prioritisation of energy-dense over nutrient-rich food, constrained autonomy, rigid provisioning, and limited nutrition or culinary education, shaping veterans’ long-term eating habits and wellbeing. With, five participants emphasising energy-dense meals during service, while four noted poor nutrition and restricted food choices: “really high calorie, four meals a day…I don't want to compare it to school dinners, but it was that sort of vibe…four options, choose one…average at best with probably not the best choices that you can make.” Participant 3, Royal Marines Five participants recalled a decline in food options, portion size, and overall quality: “young guys...doing worse, because they were then filling up on junk food, chips and…biscuits just because they were so hungry...compared to the old days where you could actually have as much as you wanted, and decent portions and lots of choice.” Participant 6, RAF & Royal Marines Five participants noted how the military does not teach personnel basic food preparation or nutrition, as food is provisioned and seen as mere fuel: “cooking…is not productive time. It was seen as, you know, just get the fuel...in you” Participant 5, RAF However, some bases were seeing healthier changes, as one participant noted recent changes in mess hall dining, highlighting increased autonomy regarding meal macronutrient content: “how much calories and fats were in…more like a salad area or pasta area...so you could pick and choose what you wanted, but it all massive, dependent on what camp…was on” Participant 2, Army Four participants noted food quality and quantity inequalities from lower to higher ranks, with one describing budget and provision differences between bases: “a sports nutritionist that would come in and just do tailored nutrition programs based off your weight and exercise.” Participant 3, Royal Marines Four participants described the inadequacy of rations whilst on operation, with one participant recollecting: “When I was on operations…our flying rations were pretty bad, a sandwich with some processed meat and a packet of crisps and a drink and a chocolate bar, if you're lucky, and that would have to last you for some 12 hours, so you probably supplement that with other food” Participant 6, RAF & Royal Marines However, on bases during deployments, four participants describe good quality meals prepared by military chefs: “some of the best food I ever had was when I was…on deployments…it was like you had different steak nights and lobster nights” Participant 2, Army Overall, diet quality fluctuated by location, the reliance on processed, energy-dense foods and restricted choice underscored institutional disregard for nutrition, limiting control over one’s diet. Loss of structure to social support This theme captures how losing institutional routines and peer networks leave individuals vulnerable without social support. Four participants described the military as a structured environment that alleviated civilian tasks: “You're just told where to be at what time, like you don't have to put any effort into really existing, like everything is just there and managed for you” Participant 3, Royal Marines One participant emphasised maintaining relationships and establishing life outside the military before discharge to alleviate institutional loss during reintegration: “if you've met a partner and moved off the base…you can always take the best bits of being a serviceman…whereas, if you've just been living in a barracks all that time, fully submersed in the whole world of drinking, you know, that sort of culture, when you leave that's gone” Participant 5, RAF Another participant spoke of the camaraderie during service, emphasising that these bonds continue to offer support after military service: “You've all been in the same situation, the chips are down, but you come through it, and that just accelerates and cements lifelong friendships. And you know that means that you would do anything to help one of your buddies out” Participant 4, Army One participant observed that civilian-led support services often lack comprehension of veterans’ experiences, contributing to alienation during reintegration to civilian life: “manned by civilians who haven't…got the experience, they can't relate because they've never done it, so they're just going through the motions.” Participant 5, RAF Conversely, another participant felt patronised and unsupported by serving personnel during military transition, attributing this to limited understanding of civilian life: “going for an interview with a guy who's…been in the army for 30 years, and he's telling me what it's like in civvie street, you're still in the army, and you're telling me what it's going to be like” Participant 1, Army This highlights the structured military support system and its abrupt loss upon civilian transition, where connection is most needed. This need collides with civilian misunderstanding of military culture, deepening isolation and exposing post-service gaps. Identity and belonging This theme illustrates the shift from purpose-driven military environments to civilian life, where understanding of their lived experiences is limited, affecting identity. All participants emphasised military camaraderie and shared experiences, making loss of peer support after discharge significant: “particularly single guys who leave the services because it was, your whole family. You know, as I said, you ate together, you played together, you fought together, did everything together. If you haven't…found a partner or something that helps you transition, then it becomes very difficult, because your whole world is gone” Participant 5, RAF Two participants expressed superiority over civilians, believing military experiences would ease transition. However, this confidence masked unpreparedness, as losing familiar structures challenged their identity reconstruction: “at the time, you’re young, you think, I've just been to Afghan, I've been to Iraq, now I know everything...You know absolutely nothing.” Participant 1, Army Two participants reflected on transitioning from valued service members to civilians, expressing feelings of disposability and being forgotten: “you feel like you're a number…there's no follow up call…almost quite anticlimactic…what matters to you during the military suddenly feels as if it made no difference and does not matter to anybody else.” Participant 5, RAF This raises questions about post-military aftercare expectations and the adequacy of wellbeing support. Four participants reported greater effort in civilian social interactions, attributing this to lack of shared experience and perceived indifference towards military life: “you have to put a lot of effort into maintain those relationships or build new ones outside of work, because having those friendships in the military is effortless, whereas if you go somewhere new, you just don't make friends in the same way that you did” Participant 3, Royal Marines One participant discussed veterans idealising military service as a way to cope with present challenges, reinforcing loss and longing: “I know lots of military guys...they’ve left and they look back with very tinted spectacles at that time they’re in and wish they were back and miss it. But you know, it’s not the same. People are different…the bureaucracy is still there. All the other issues you had, the pay isn’t as good.” Participant 6, RAF & Royal Marines This theme underscores how the ingrained nature of military service shapes personnel identity through shared experiences, revealing how this affiliation fosters belonging while complicating self-redefinition after discharge. Discussion This study aimed to understand how nutrition, alcohol use, and wellbeing interact across male veterans' experiences, from military service through post-discharge. Findings revealed a complex interplay between these domains, demonstrating that no single aspect of military or civilian life operates in isolation. Instead, wellbeing is shaped by overlapping systems, including institutional norms, cultural expectations, and access to support. The study highlights how military structures influence veterans’ post-service wellbeing, positioning reintegration as a dynamic and multifaceted process. Patterns of alcohol use and nutritional behaviour are embedded within broader struggles for identity, autonomy, and social reintegration, calling for holistic interventions. The first central theme 'alcohol as a trauma response' captured alcohol use as a coping mechanism, particularly among personnel exposed to combat stressors. Participants recounted experiences of severe injury, explosions, and loss of life, with alcohol as the only accessible form of emotional support. This aligns with research indicating combat exposure and PTSD symptoms strongly associate with increased alcohol use among military populations [ 11 ]. The ease of using alcohol, compared to processing trauma became an appealing coping strategy [ 24 ]. This underscores the need for trauma-informed interventions that address the emotional drivers of alcohol use, rather than solely focusing on behavioural outcomes. Participants described how beer was flown in during deployments, enabling access to a familiar mechanism for emotional regulation. Reflecting how drinking offered personnel normalcy and control, whilst maintaining performance in high-pressure environments [ 33 ]. However, this institutional facilitation may reinforce dependency, limiting healthy coping, especially where MH support is reduced. Reliance on alcohol for emotional regulation can establish maladaptive behaviours complicating post-service adjustment and increasing long-term harm [ 15 ]. This intersects with the theme of ‘fuelling function over nourishment’, where institutional practices similarly prioritised immediate performance over long‑term nutritional wellbeing. A key recommendation is for messaging around healthy coping and trauma recovery to be embedded across service, including induction, training and transition [ 3 ]. Some UKAF roles restrict alcohol, with one participant noting abstaining before flying was standard practice, describing operational periods as more detoxifying than social. This contrasts with literature suggesting personnel on operations often drink excessively, potentially rendering individuals unfit for duty [ 33 ]. These role-based constraints counter broader drinking norms, showing how operational responsibility fosters healthier behaviours. A recommendation is to encourage senior personnel to model healthier behaviours and discuss MH openly. Normalising these discussions can reduce stigma and address psychological drivers of sustained alcohol use. Participants noted when disciplinary measures failed to improve camaraderie, the military facilitated nights out to encourage bonding and team performance. Furthermore, participants reported forming social connections during nights out, where shared experiences created lifelong friendships. While these events fostered short-term cohesion, they reinforced alcohol as a primary mechanism for relational development [ 24 ]. This reinforces connections to themes, ‘identity and belonging’ and ‘loss of structure to social support’, underscoring the emotional significance of military camaraderie and loss of these networks post-service. Conversely, participants acknowledged likely social exclusion for those who did not engage in excessive drinking. However, they observed a recent cultural shift within the military, with personnel choosing gym sessions and other non-alcohol-based activities, reflecting healthier social engagement. Although literature highlights weak correlation between social pressure and heavy drinking [ 33 ], participants’ experiences suggest alcohol use may be less about peer coercion and more about norms shaping social inclusion. Drinking became a habitual mechanism for connection, stress relief, and identity reinforcement, making abstention feel socially isolating [ 23 ]. Therefore, recommendations include requiring non-alcoholic options in social and deployment settings to provide inclusive environments, reducing social exclusion. Moreover, UKAF’s promote alternative team-building activities that foster connection without drinking, challenging perceptions of military alcohol endorsement. Drinking patterns often persist post-service, with most participants recalling family members expressing concern about their alcohol consumption, suggesting excessive intake. However, these concerns were not shared by the participants, who believed their intake was within normal limits [ 34 ]. The normalisation of heavy drinking in military life may distort perceptions of acceptable intake [ 33 ] and complicate adopting healthier behaviours after discharge, when familial or societal norms conflict with ingrained habits. Suggesting participants’ minimisation of concern could stem from a desire to maintain autonomy and control against social disapproval, with alcohol functioning as a cultural anchor to military belonging and resistance to civilian assimilation. The second theme, 'fuelling function over nourishment', revealed UKAF's focus on energy-density meals, yet lacking nutritional value, satiety and autonomy in choice. Veterans described base meals as energy-dense yet nutritionally average, lacking variety, highlighting standard provision inadequacy. A systematic review by Bayes et al. [ 4 ] found defence personnel often consume diets low in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and micronutrients, relying on added sugars and processed meats. Additionally, Fallowfield et al. [ 14 ] argue that nutrition should be a core military capability, as suboptimal diets can impair physical and cognitive performance, elevating chronic illness risk. It is recommended to supplement energy-dense foods with nutrient-rich alternatives such as wholegrains, nuts and legumes for energy and recovery [ 9 ]. Veterans' accounts of deployment diets reveal tensions between logistics and nutrition adequacy. While ration packs provided high-energy sustenance during operations, they lacked essential nutrients, requiring supplementation. In contrast, on deployment bases, higher-quality meals were seen as markers of care and morale. Reflecting constraints and assumptions about sufficient nourishment in different contexts. Contrast between rations and base meals reveal nutritional access disparities affecting operational readiness and post-service diet. Vidal et al. [ 41 ] found recent ration improvements aligned with emerging research, highlighting the need to assess UKAF food provisions beyond functional approaches to nutritional adequacy. Recommendations include improving rations to meet nutritional benchmarks for fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals to maintain performance [ 42 ]. Additionally, necessary supplementation for optimal function [ 14 ]. Participants highlighted limited autonomy in food variety, citing rigid portioning and constrained choices. This is in contrast to earlier years in the UKAF, with veterans recalling a wider range of tastier meals during the bulk of their career. Demonstrating that diverse provisions are feasible while meeting requirements. Emerging reforms like salad bars and macronutrient labelling, reported by a participant, indicate a shift towards health-conscious provisioning. Though these changes remain inconsistent across UKAF bases. To support personnel and veterans, buffet-style food areas should be distributed across UKAF bases to promote food variety and autonomy [ 10 ]. Veterans described food provision inequalities across UKAF ranks, with lower-ranking personnel facing restricted mess hall options and relying on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to meet energy needs. This reliance compromised nutritional quality, reinforcing marginalisation within the hierarchy. A veteran highlighted disparities through tailored meal plans from sports nutritionists at select Marine bases. These inconsistencies reflect broader structural inequities within military food systems and underscore the need for standardised, health-promoting provisions across ranks. The prevalence of fast-food in on-base supermarkets reflects a systemic neglect of health-promoting provisions [ 4 ]. Recommendations include ensuring equitable food access throughout the UKAF, recognising varied nutritional demands for lower-ranked personnel [ 14 ]. Additionally, standardising nutrient-dense meals reducing UPF dependence [ 32 ]. Culinary skills are scarce in military culture, as cooking is not considered productive, according to participants. Literature highlights poor nutritional understanding among military personnel, with limited education opportunities [ 10 ]. Veterans can struggle to manage diets, relying on support networks to develop cooking skills [ 5 ]. This reflects 'loss of structure to social support' and 'identity and belonging', as institutional dependency shifts to self-care. Recommendations include UK veteran culinary workshops and community kitchens [ 5 ] and embedding nutrition training into service education for informed choices [ 10 ]. The third theme, 'loss of structure to social support', contrasts military life's rigid structure and civilian society's unstructured nature. Participants described how centrally managed tasks like scheduling and healthcare enabled focus on operations, fostering reliance on institutional structure and leaving veterans unprepared for civilian autonomy [ 19 ]. This was echoed by Misca et al. [ 29 ] highlighting the abrupt loss of structured support leads to disorientation, isolation, and identity disruption. The study observed how identity, relationships, employment, and MH shape veterans' transitions. This connects ‘identity and belonging’ and ‘alcohol as a trauma response’, as some veterans use alcohol to cope with the emotional void left by fractured social and institutional ties. These findings indicate the need to research transition complexities holistically. Participants emphasised the enduring strength of military friendships, noting these connections provided meaningful support after service. Interestingly, Kleykamp et al. [ 26 ] found support was not a significant predictor of transition outcomes among US veterans, identifying military identity, exit triggers, and transition planning as influential factors. In this context, military friendships may serve less as anchors amid disorientation rather than formal outcome predictors. This shift from a regulated, mission-driven culture to civilian life can trigger emotional upheaval [ 38 ]. Peer bonds offer continuity, shared language, belonging that civilian networks may struggle to replicate [ 29 ]. While not statistically predictive, military friendships may be psychologically protective, helping veterans reorient without institutional structure. Though further research is needed to explore peer relationships during reintegration. Study participants described family support networks prior to discharge as key to their reintegration, as family connections improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and support recovery and autonomy. This is supported by a study of US veterans, finding those without support reported higher PTSD symptoms and lower life satisfaction [ 19 ]. Likewise, Gordon et al. [ 18 ] highlighted family support's importance, with veterans identifying it as crucial to transitions. Therefore, expanding access to family-focused education services is recommended to help address maladaptive behaviours fostering more resilient home environments during transition [ 37 ]. Observations by participants identified those living in barracks with strong military identity struggled most with reintegration, stemming from the contrast between military and civilian values, and loss of structure and camaraderie post-discharge [ 29 ]. Compounding this issue is military culture’s patriotic, sacrificial, and zero-defect ethos, discouraging help-seeking and reinforcing resistance to vulnerability [ 37 ]. Research identifies persistent barriers to support services, including stigma and limited awareness of when to seek help [ 29 ]. These challenges, particularly among veterans experiencing MH difficulties and alcohol misuse, underscore the need to adapt services to address cultural and psychological factors hindering early intervention [ 22 ]. Veterans noted that civilians providing services often lack military understanding and language, leaving veterans feeling isolated and misunderstood. Another participant received unhelpful advice about civilian life from a long-serving military officer, leaving them feeling unsupported. Both accounts reveal nuances in the challenges surrounding help-seeking, though they are individual. Research illustrates rebuilding structure through personalised routines can mitigate post-discharge disorientation, helping veterans reclaim identity and routine on their own terms [ 1 ]. Therefore, services are recommended to include veteran mentors to help translate military routines into civilian contexts like daily practices [ 17 ]. Mentors can connect veterans to community services and foster supportive friendships. The fourth theme, ‘identity and belonging’, highlighted camaraderie and shared bonds unifying identities during service, contrasting with isolation, loss of purpose, and feeling misunderstood in civilian life. Veterans approached transition confidently, believing combat equipped them for post-discharge challenges. However, this perceived resilience often obscured the emotional and structural complexities of civilian reintegration, resulting in delayed help-seeking and disrupted identity [ 2 ]. Literature reflects these findings, noting that military training fosters self-reliance and perceived superiority, with personnel frequently viewing themselves as more capable and disciplined than civilians [ 26 ]. Such beliefs can hinder psychological adjustment and engagement with support systems [ 29 ]. Interventions should educate the public and employers about veterans’ strengths while helping veterans communicate their skills to civilians [ 38 ]. Veterans described feeling disposable after discharge, experiencing an anticlimactic and emotionally disorienting transition. The abrupt shift from serving a mission perceived as greater than oneself, to navigating fragmented civilian systems left many questioning their value and purpose. Existing literature confirms these feelings of neglect. Grant et al. [ 20 ] highlights existential separation, where veterans grapple with disconnection from past identity and uncertainty, often intensified by discharge experiences perceived as institutional betrayal. When identity is tied to institutional values, such betrayal can be deeply corrosive, contributing to MH challenges and eroding trust in support systems [ 18 ]. However, Dolan et al. [ 13 ] notes that not all veterans retain a strong military identity post-discharge, as many distance themselves from institutional affiliations to pursue new values. Veterans identified the loss of camaraderie and unity during transition as a major challenge, particularly for single men. This underscores the military’s role as a surrogate family and highlights the relational loss upon discharge. Single veterans, lacking anchors outside the AF, often face transition without the emotional scaffolding needed to cope. This finding adds nuance by illustrating how relational status intensifies transition difficulties. Similarly, Sachdev et al. [ 37 ] noted that military bonds are forged through shared experiences prioritising service over self, reflecting ingrained military culture. This contrasts with civilian individualism, contributing to existential disorientation and difficulty connecting with non-military peers. Romaniuk and Kidd [ 36 ] emphasised the loss of culture, community, and purpose as central to post-discharge adjustment. These losses erode the moral framework that once legitimised their sacrifice. One finding revealed veterans often recalled military careers through “tinted spectacles,” idealising service while overlooking bureaucratic inefficiencies, inadequate compensation, and interpersonal dynamics. This selective memory serves as a coping mechanism to reconcile dissonance between past and present identities, as veterans report feelings of insignificance in civilian tasks [ 37 ]. By obscuring the structural shortcomings, idealisation may reinforce systemic blind spots, prolonging transitional difficulties [ 38 ]. These dynamics reflect themes, ‘alcohol as a trauma response’ and ‘loss of structure to social support’, where isolation and nostalgia drive excessive drinking. This reversion to familiar coping behaviours leads to poor nutritional choices, aligning with ‘fuelling function over nourishment’. A consistent theme across veteran narratives was the difficulty of forming meaningful civilian friendships, described as effortful, superficial, and lacking the depth of military bonds. Unlike trust-based relationships forged through shared hardship, civilian connections were perceived as fragmented and transient, even decades after discharge. This reflects findings by Flack and Kite [ 16 ], who note that military identity and interdependence can hinder post-service social connectedness when veterans struggle with civilian norms and values. Armstrong [ 2 ] similarly highlights a relational void in civilian life, where absence of shared experience undermines potentially deep connections. These insights show the emotional legacy of military camaraderie and challenges in rebuilding relational depth outside the institution. It is recommended civilian-led services receive training in military culture, and trauma-informed practice to contextualise veteran experiences, reducing miscommunication. Limitations This study had several limitations. Firstly, it relied on retrospective, self-reported accounts from a small sample, introducing potential bias and limiting generalisability of findings. Secondly, all participants had access to support networks, several secured immediate post-service employment and reported no severe service-related injuries. These factors shaped their transition experiences, underscoring the need for research involving veterans with different circumstances, such as those facing unemployment, injury, or disability. Thirdly, recent changes within the UKAF may affect the relevance of some findings, particularly for current personnel or recent veterans, as evolving institutional practices could render certain recommendations outdated. Fourthly, ongoing efforts to improve diversity, inclusion, and MH provision within the military may also influence transition experiences not captured by this study. Finally, much existing research focuses on serving personnel, often within the US military context. There remains a significant gap in UK-based research on veterans, particularly studies exploring systemic and relational dimensions of transition. Conclusion This study has illustrated the intwined challenges veterans encounter during civilian reintegration, particularly regarding identity disruption, relational loss, alcohol use as a coping strategy, and the functional significance of nutrition. The findings underscore the need for diverse interventions that address not only individual behaviours but also systemic and cultural factors shaping veterans’ post-service wellbeing. Future research should prioritise female veterans’ experiences. Gendered dynamics of transition, including stigma and help-seeking behaviours, remain underexplored yet critical to understanding the full spectrum of veteran experiences. Recent geopolitical developments have intensified pressure on military personnel through increased operational demands, ethical complexity, and psychological strain. Heightened defence spending and strategic reorientations have led to more frequent deployments and exposure to moral injury, particularly in technologically mediated warfare. These shifts affect serving personnel and shape the transition landscape for veterans, compounding challenges around identity, MH, and lifestyle factors. Nutrition and alcohol consumption remain central to maintaining health and resilience of both serving personnel and veterans yet are often overlooked in ways that obscure their relational and symbolic significance. Creating a culture of health in the military demands that policymakers reform not only nutrition education and food systems but norms and availability surrounding alcohol. Future studies should examine everyday practices like eating and drinking intersect with trauma, identity, and institutional culture, and how they can be leveraged in holistic, trauma-informed interventions. Abbreviations AF: Armed Forces DVA : Domestic violence and abuse MH: Mental Health PTSD : Post-traumatic stress disorder RAF : Royal Air Forces UKAF : United Kingdom Armed Forces U.S. : United States Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The current study was approved by the ethics committee of Bournemouth University’s Research Ethics Committee (Ethics ID 61192). This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards and regulations of Bournemouth University, and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments. All participants signed informed consent to participate in the study. Consent for publication N/A Availability of data and materials The interview data generated and analysed during this study are not publicly available due to ethical and confidentiality constraints. Participants were assured anonymity, and the dataset contains sensitive personal information. De-identified excerpts may be shared upon reasonable request and subject to approval by the relevant ethics committee. Requests for access to the data should be directed to the corresponding author, Alexandra Dowding, at [email protected] . Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Funding None. Authors’ contributions AD as first author undertook study design, obtained ethical approval, recruitment, interviews, data analysis and interpretation and manuscript writing. This was conducted under supervision of CC, who provided feedback during manuscript writing and theme development. MB reviewed and edited manuscript and supported in publication. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the veterans who kindly discussed their experiences. References Aitken D, Kinane C. An evaluation of veteran-led peer support services for UK veterans with complex mental health needs. J Veteran Stud. 2024;10(1):76–84. Armstrong E. British Army Veterans’ Experiences of the Transition into Civilian Life: An Ultra-Realist Perspective. 1st ed. London: Routledge; 2023. Barrington L, Bland A, Keenan J. Courage, camaraderie and compassion: a qualitative exploration into UK military veterans’ experiences of self-compassion within the context of alcohol use disorders and recovery. BMJ Mil Health. 2025;171:45–50. Bayes J, Burch E, Lauche R, Wardle J. What is the dietary intake and nutritional status of defence members: a systematic literature review. Nutr Res Rev. 2024;38(1):267–81. Black M, LaCroix R, Hoerster K, Chen S, Ritchey K, Souza M, Utech A, Thielke S. Healthy Teaching Kitchen Programs: Experiential Nutrition Education Across Veterans Health Administration, 2018. Am J Public Health. 2019;109(12):1718–21. Braun V, Clarke V. Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. London: SAGE Publications Ltd; 2022. Browstow D, Smith A, Bahraini N, Besterman-Dahan K, Forster J, Brenner L. Nutrition and Food Security Among Veterans: Operationalizing Nutritional Functioning. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024;105(8):1520–8. Bryne D. A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Qual Quant. 2021;56,1391 – 412. Carins J, Fisher B, Probert B, Fallowfield J. Valuing Health and Performance: A Case for Prioritizing Nutrition. Mil Med. 2025;190(7–8):1578–86. Chukwura C, Santo TJ, Waters C, Andrews A. Nutrition is out of our control’: soldiers’ perceptions of their local food environment. Public Health Nutr. 2019;22(15):2766–76. Chui Z, Fear N, Greenberg N, Jones N, Jones E, Goodwin L. Combat exposure and co-occurring mental health problems in UK Armed Forces personnel. J Ment Health. 2020;31(5):624–33. Dexter AS, Pope J, Erickson D, Fontenot C, Ollendike E, Walker E. Cooking Education Improves Cooking Confidence and Dietary Habits in Veterans. Diabetes Educ. 2019;45(4):442–9. Dolan G, McCauley M, Murphy D. Factors Influencing the Salience of Military/Veteran Identity Post Discharge: A Scoping Review. J Veteran Stud. 2022;8(1):231–46. Fallowfield JL, McClung JP, Gaffney-Stomberg E, Probert B, Peterson R, Charlebois A, Boilard H, Carins J, Kilding H. Nutrition as a military capability to deliver human advantage: more people, more ready, more of the time. BMJ Mil Health. 2024. Finnegan A, Randles R. Prevalence of common mental health disorders in military veterans: using primary healthcare data. BMJ Mil Health. 2023;169:523–8. Flack M, Kite L. Transition from military to civilian: Identity, social connectedness, and veteran wellbeing. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(12):e0261634. Fogle B, Tsai J, Mota N, Harpaz-Rotem I, Krystal J, Southwick S, Pietrzak R. The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study: A Narrative Review and Future Directions. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:538218. Gordon K, Burnell K, Wilson C. Outside the Military Bubble: Life after Service for UK Ex-armed Forces Personnel. Front Public Health . 2020;3; 8:50. Grant C, Woodyatt L, Bowen H, Lane J. Once a Soldier, always a Soldier until you’re not: The effect of identity loss on mental health and well-being following military discharge. Mil Psychol. 2025a; 1–14. Grant C, Woodyatt L, Bowen H, Lane J. Fallout: the psychosocial harms of negative military discharge experiences. Front Psychol. 2025b;16. Hatch-McChesney A, Smith TJ, Nutrition. Immune Function, and Infectious Disease in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023;15(23):4999. Hitch C, Toner P, Armour CA, Qualitative Systematic. Review of Enablers and Barriers to Help Seeking for Veterans that have Completely Left the Military Within the Context of Mental Health and Alcohol. J Vet Stud. 2023;9(1):15–30. Hitch C, Toner P, Champion H, Armour C. Lifetime trauma, mental wellbeing, alcohol and help-seeking; the phenomenological experience of veterans residing in Northern Ireland. BMC Psychol. 2024;12:479. Irizar P, Leightley D, Stevelink S, Rona R, Jones N, Gouni K, Puddephatt J-A, Fear N, Wessely S, Goodwin L. 2020. Drinking motivations in UK serving and ex-serving military personnel. Occupational Med . 2020;7 (4) 259–267. Johnson A, Serra G, Tomietto M, Kiernan M. Identifying the risk factors associated with food insecurity in the UK veteran population: a nationwide survey. J Nutr Sci. 2024;13:63. Kleykamp M, Montgomery S, Pang A, Schrader K. Military Identity and Planning for the Transition out of the Military. Mil Psychol. 2021;33(6):372–91. Kwan J, Jones M, Somaini G, Hull L, Wessely S, Fear NT. MacManus, D. Post-deployment family violence among UK military personnel. Psychol Med. 2017;48(13):2202–12. Leightley D, Williamson C, Rona R, Carr E, Shearer J, Davis J, Simms A, Fear N, Goodwin L, Murphy D. 2022. Evaluating the Efficacy of the Drinks:Ration Mobile App to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in a Help-Seeking Military Veteran Population: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2022;10(6). Misca G, Augustus J, Russell J, Walker J. Meaning(s) of transition(s) from military to civilian life at the intersection with mental health: implications for clinical settings. Front Psychol. 2023;14. Nasveld P, Cotea C, Pullman S, Pietrzak E. Effects of deployment on mental health in modern military forces: A review of longitudinal studies. J Mil Veterans Health 2021;2. Negrin K, Slaughter S, Olson, Dahlke S. Successful Recruitment to Qualitative Research: A Critical Reflection. Int J Qualitative Methods. 2022;21. O’Leary T, Wardle S, Greeves J. Energy Deficiency in Soldiers: The Risk of the Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Syndromes in the Military. Front Nutr. 2020;7;142. Osborne A, Wilson-Menzfeld G, McGill G, Kiernan M. Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review. Occup Med. 2022;72(5):313–23. Palmer L, Norton S, Jones M, Rona R, Goodwin L, Fear N. Trajectories of alcohol misuse among the UK Armed Forces over a 12-year period. Addiction. 2021;117(1):57–67. Rhead R, MacManus D, Jones M, Greenberg N, Fear N, Goodwin L. Mental health disorders and alcohol misuse among UK military veterans and the general population: a comparison study. Psychol Med. 2020;52(2):292–302. Romaniuk M, Kidd C. The Psychological Adjustment Experience of Reintegration Following Discharge from Military Service: A Systematic Review. J Mil Veterans Health 2021;26(2). Sachdev S, Dixit S. Military to civilian cultural transition experiences of retired military personnel: A systematic meta-synthesis. Mil Psychol. 2023; 25;36(6); 579 – 92. Shepard S, Sherman D, MacLean A, Kay AC. The Challenges of Military Veterans in Their Transition to the Workplace: A Call for Integrating Basic and Applied Psychological Science. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2021;16(3):590–613. Sparrow K, Alves-Costa F, Alves A, Greenberg N, Howard L, Fear N, MacManus D. The experience of health and welfare workers in identifying and responding to domestic abuse among military personnel in the UK. BMC Health Serv Res. 2020;20:947. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Nutrition and Food Services: Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program [online], U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Washington DC; 2025 [Accessed 7 December 2025]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Healthy_Teaching_Kitchen.asp Vidal V, Jensen IJ, Sandbakk O, Haugnes P, Austeen M, Gjeldnes R, Svihus B, Lerfall J. Military rations: Nutritional, sensorial and technological quality and their effects on military physical exercise in extreme environments. Nutr Res Reviews. 2024;38(1):324–37. Vyas N, Cialdella-Kam L. Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Intake vs. Estimated Needs in Warfighters: an Update. Curr Nutr Rep 2020;(9) 405–13. Zielinska M, Luszczki E, Deren K. Dietary Nutrient Deficiencies and Risk of Depression (Review Article 2018–2023). Nutrients. 2023;15(11); 2433.35. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files InterviewGuide.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 13 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 13 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 13 Feb, 2026 Reviews received at journal 05 Feb, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 05 Feb, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 06 Jan, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 06 Jan, 2026 Editor invited by journal 01 Jan, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 31 Dec, 2025 First submitted to journal 31 Dec, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8412508","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":570540704,"identity":"63a52e35-0997-4f59-83c9-14c0bef45084","order_by":0,"name":"Alexandra Dowding","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Bournemouth University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Alexandra","middleName":"","lastName":"Dowding","suffix":""},{"id":570540705,"identity":"03e90a23-8d5b-4056-8d10-d1a0e74d2eda","order_by":1,"name":"Michele Board","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bournemouth University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Michele","middleName":"","lastName":"Board","suffix":""},{"id":570540708,"identity":"fd0df26c-ed01-4e8f-abe2-2703684fcef8","order_by":2,"name":"Chloe Casey","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Bournemouth University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chloe","middleName":"","lastName":"Casey","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-12-20 13:38:27","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8412508/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8412508/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":99822820,"identity":"5f71dbab-4e70-4984-9e63-0cbb5414b66b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":157278,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"DissertationPublication.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/b6b766a318753793909dcf1c.docx"},{"id":99822817,"identity":"0ec57de1-5189-4c58-834c-3ec6c3cb735c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"json","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":5863,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"b529d6b134a5448dbd648da414e09286.json","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/ef0caa05e4afff76f1e639df.json"},{"id":99822813,"identity":"7c1d67e6-a11a-4065-b4ff-a4d54e7a234b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"docx","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":16950,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"InterviewGuide.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/94f1d1ee73e2ba4dfd44deb2.docx"},{"id":100356323,"identity":"032a300f-147e-439a-9dc2-e93d9057ae7d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:02:50","extension":"xml","order_by":3,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":132153,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"b529d6b134a5448dbd648da414e092861enriched.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/d2b21216a9c3e87e9f3cbf52.xml"},{"id":100356725,"identity":"824cf2a4-da71-4095-b981-1f44433ee4bc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:17:10","extension":"eps","order_by":4,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/ca89fcb5ee3e7b477ea5f63f.eps"},{"id":99822812,"identity":"53ea14fc-e90f-43e5-90a3-c4847212c1a8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"eps","order_by":5,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/3451896ad04f115d07d2f655.eps"},{"id":100356632,"identity":"70bdac46-14b4-422c-96da-e22814ac5e2f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:16:12","extension":"eps","order_by":6,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/0568de219fe2b2db9c999b43.eps"},{"id":100356658,"identity":"665e23c9-ed6e-48b6-bd74-9b64c42fd62f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:16:26","extension":"eps","order_by":7,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/463eac003b9d90e276174626.eps"},{"id":100356670,"identity":"ba791a9d-db56-4da4-9d12-a29761712ddc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:16:42","extension":"eps","order_by":8,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/81a1010b4afd4b4fd551947b.eps"},{"id":100356514,"identity":"034056a9-9357-47b6-ba37-becc134069af","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:14:41","extension":"eps","order_by":9,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/b4b8c7c98192a51b5bd61af8.eps"},{"id":99822829,"identity":"abe694da-db90-4340-a130-113dc1418956","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"eps","order_by":10,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":429,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage1.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/aa7e3df1d509d71521c68360.eps"},{"id":99822842,"identity":"3f02af40-819b-48b5-b208-755d2de4314e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"eps","order_by":11,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":44758,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"drawingimage8.eps","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/0355920e382180c118aec406.eps"},{"id":100356754,"identity":"44405cba-980b-40c1-bea1-078c2c989a84","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:17:21","extension":"jpeg","order_by":12,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/1856c701ef7badfb376a3644.jpeg"},{"id":99822836,"identity":"1c6127a6-b9ec-4b84-a264-7519b6d8bedd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":13,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/19a2bd3b1394cd7812eba9cc.jpeg"},{"id":99822848,"identity":"cc0d7167-c910-437d-9c8e-ed2b9dddfb11","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":14,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":8858,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage11.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/d30a5d8a4020923a4f0c34ef.jpeg"},{"id":100356206,"identity":"bd09d302-b4c9-4b0b-b857-349391049766","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 06:57:33","extension":"jpeg","order_by":15,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/ee05642ae96c4a037d0ef1b4.jpeg"},{"id":100356408,"identity":"ba344e49-0ac0-4ab0-8bf2-67994660e8b5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:08:14","extension":"jpeg","order_by":16,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/ab6cd1f81facc7e2249be43a.jpeg"},{"id":99822826,"identity":"2b9c45c8-307a-4003-83e4-d0400346264e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"jpeg","order_by":17,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/a7e25956b687c97d07a10eea.jpeg"},{"id":99822824,"identity":"21726dc2-ea06-4b94-bff3-6a298aa37bc9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"jpeg","order_by":18,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":18811,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/5f7a2c5964ffcf35cdae76d2.jpeg"},{"id":99822827,"identity":"dbac34a3-a460-492c-b2b6-92ead8b88795","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"jpeg","order_by":19,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":69418,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/eb479529439107276f7b6417.jpeg"},{"id":100356644,"identity":"591d6f60-0a72-40dc-a280-83f9f49b8aca","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:16:20","extension":"jpeg","order_by":20,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":109481,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/87d6f3b08360acdb1a11ac49.jpeg"},{"id":99822845,"identity":"5f87c56d-0f37-4c8b-bd11-b82c7fcbdafd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":21,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":18873,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage7.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/7870a0dcc403f8c034078673.jpeg"},{"id":99822843,"identity":"f7398aa1-fcd0-4aee-81d9-f8be952d60a9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"jpeg","order_by":22,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/f1453be82ae6afff98162deb.jpeg"},{"id":100356379,"identity":"93e09151-a839-4b03-a5b1-c314c3ffdbbb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:06:20","extension":"jpeg","order_by":23,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/5d2ab85e6a1be6396d1cd238.jpeg"},{"id":100356646,"identity":"55246047-6a39-401d-8ff9-5d0508ceaa0f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:16:20","extension":"png","order_by":24,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/c4ba2d1c23d84fd2653b8ba7.png"},{"id":99822832,"identity":"60c50975-3f94-4d7f-80c6-f3c307199e56","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"png","order_by":25,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/dac5fbf98cb92d2c0110d3ab.png"},{"id":100356766,"identity":"4f91f22c-cce8-4cfc-bb99-487d66152e7d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:17:24","extension":"png","order_by":26,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1440,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/d5096ab83d35f183398cc6d5.png"},{"id":100356728,"identity":"278ee530-4b71-4f3b-a0bb-f958475e5e80","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:17:11","extension":"png","order_by":27,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/c35b91a9de9f84f9e84530c8.png"},{"id":99822850,"identity":"ed934cd4-618e-48dd-bba6-51aafda63b43","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"png","order_by":28,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/683831a0b110004c8197db9c.png"},{"id":100356435,"identity":"30554587-0979-45d4-b389-0cf9a9cead3b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:09:18","extension":"png","order_by":29,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/66ff7a16dd0afa1f95558291.png"},{"id":100356283,"identity":"856247b4-8427-4223-96db-c53035168330","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 06:59:34","extension":"png","order_by":30,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":3491,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/77991cc95837085eab441192.png"},{"id":100356707,"identity":"19e5f92e-e2a5-411c-b608-0340e3dca7b2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:17:03","extension":"png","order_by":31,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":12716,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/d4dc5a1effc7534654e7cd47.png"},{"id":99822834,"identity":"abdda505-5102-4e8e-bf60-c36c9eb9efc9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"png","order_by":32,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":18166,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/0d5f719078d4b6a5e3d54055.png"},{"id":99822830,"identity":"0dbe8e29-a6a5-4c96-9bc5-027a9c6f2460","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"png","order_by":33,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":9004,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/5bda8512e30546f1598e6f60.png"},{"id":99822840,"identity":"81e97e85-a7d1-44a8-93be-f11a1e3d73a2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"png","order_by":34,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/684086b9b6d7011d8ed1d3ce.png"},{"id":100356413,"identity":"edc7e4e3-45f8-429a-8fa0-49b693a5d955","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 07:08:19","extension":"png","order_by":35,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":935,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/7a044d1773d8779ecde28ac0.png"},{"id":99822838,"identity":"6e7cab35-cb9e-4e6f-a907-51721d2aed1d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"xml","order_by":36,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":128820,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"b529d6b134a5448dbd648da414e092861structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/a9b8e6e68537a87d6320c5e9.xml"},{"id":99822841,"identity":"01aed7b8-aecf-40e2-8d21-8a525f528d8d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:28","extension":"html","order_by":37,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":144081,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/0476d417252c74f33caf0055.html"},{"id":99822810,"identity":"c03b8687-5c82-4480-82a2-81a8dd51e5a6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":75797,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eQualitative themes\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/404580c844af12d073232552.png"},{"id":100377059,"identity":"df839f83-7118-4a9e-bb2e-2a3e8de01388","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-16 08:46:50","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":728388,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/6aa77cf1-5b98-4950-b9bc-f327ee18979b.pdf"},{"id":99822811,"identity":"25a072fd-246f-4b33-9809-d0c16457a403","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 15:41:27","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":16950,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"InterviewGuide.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8412508/v1/4fe3e04e5ecc54a81fb0de6c.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Lifestyle Factors in UK Veterans’ Reintegration to Civilian Life: A Qualitative Exploration","fulltext":[{"header":"Background","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe transition from military to civilian life presents a complex reconfiguration of identity, routine, and psychological wellbeing as UK veterans navigate shifts in support systems and institutional expectations. Lifestyle factors such as nutrition and alcohol use, overlooked in reintegration, remain embedded in military culture as mechanisms of coping and camaraderie, shaping mental health (MH) and reintegration [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. Transition is not simply the end of military duty, but a re‑negotiation of identity and everyday practices shaped by service [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Even in civilian life, military history continues to inform dietary habits and alcohol use, carrying forward cultural patterns that affect health and reintegration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNutrition\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilitary nutrition is treated as fuel to sustain physical performance across demanding environments, emphasising energy-density targets often at the expense of nutrient intake [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. The priority on fuel over balanced nutrition carries into veterans\u0026rsquo; post‑service lives, shaping dietary habits and long‑term health outcomes. O\u0026rsquo;Leary et al (2020) highlighted specific units like Special Forces frequently experience energy deficits during field training and operations, where energy expenditure exceeds intake. This sustained low energy availability impairs endocrine and metabolic function, bone health, and physical and cognitive performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. Similarly, Fallowfield et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] observed dietary patterns within UK garrison settings often fail to support optimal performance, with low intake of whole foods including vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and high consumption of processed meats, trans fats, and free sugars. These patterns undermine nutrition as a core military capability, limiting readiness, resilience, and recovery during service [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e], while food environments from basic rations to specialised training consistently prioritise convenience and energy over quality, embedding poor nutritional habits that carry forward into civilian life [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Suboptimal dietary choices, energy deficits, and physical and psychological stressors increase UK Armed Forces (UKAF) personnel\u0026rsquo;s risk of undernourishment and nutrient deficiencies, which are well-documented in literature to potentially contribute to MH conditions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]. These nutritional practices contribute to enduring risks of deficiency, with the resulting energy deficits and poor dietary quality undermining veterans\u0026rsquo; resilience, wellbeing, and reintegration outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFood is typically regimented, delivered through mess halls or ration packs, removing individual choice yet reinforcing routine and social cohesion [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. After reintegration, this structured provision is abruptly replaced by the expectation to self-manage meals, often without prior culinary experience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, veterans\u0026rsquo; attitudes towards health and nutrition are influenced by their military background, service-related health concerns, and injuries. This includes gendered assumptions, such as the expectation that women are primarily responsible for food preparation, regardless of their own culinary skills [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVeterans may revert to unhealthy dietary habits driven by familiarity, emotional comfort, and lack of structured nutritional support. However, a 12-week cooking course by Dexter et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e] in the US showed improved confidence in nutrition and cooking among veterans. In contrast to the national US Healthy Teaching Kitchen program [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e], the UK has no equivalent nationwide initiative for veterans. Cooking opportunities are sporadically offered by a few local charities, with uneven access, suggesting national initiatives could greatly benefit UK veterans. Similarly, adopting healthier routines for self-care and learning independence through growing their own food [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] fosters resilience, improves dietary quality, and supports long‑term health. With 16.9% of UK veterans living in food-insecure households, many rely on inexpensive, energy-dense, low-nutrient foods due to financial strain and limited access to healthier options [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, expanding initiatives across the UK requires recognition of veteran\u0026rsquo;s specific nutritional and psychosocial needs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAlcohol consumption and culture\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlcohol consumption is deeply embedded within UKAF culture, reflected in mess traditions, post-operation rituals, reward structures, and informal coping practices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Alcohol misuse is a systemic result of military culture due to prolonged exposure to high-stress environments and psychological trauma [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. These patterns underscore how military experience shapes alcohol behaviours into civilian life, influencing veterans\u0026rsquo; health. Normalisation of drinking contributes to a culture where participation is perceived as a marker of unity and camaraderie, and an accepted social norm, often pressuring individuals to conform despite personal reservations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. Though associations between social pressure and alcohol misuse are weak, meaning not all individuals are influenced. Research shows similarities between coping motives in the military and UK general population, suggesting individuals in high-pressure environments turn to alcohol for similar reasons [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. Conversely, Rhead et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e] indicate male veterans are nearly twice as likely to engage in heavy drinking compared to civilian peers, exacerbated unemployment and disability. This compounds the risks veterans face, as behaviours rooted in military culture intersect with post‑military challenges, amplifying health and social vulnerabilities. Additionally, alcohol is frequently used as a coping mechanism to manage MH conditions, particularly depression, anxiety, and the psychological strain of readjusting to civilian life [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. These issues frequently co-occur, with 92.8% of individuals experiencing alcohol misuse presenting with two or more MH conditions. However, limited awareness of MH symptoms, coupled with pride and preference for self-reliance, creates significant barriers to accessing support [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. Though, veterans seeking support are often denied access to services until they reduce excessive alcohol use, a barrier that can foster feelings of isolation and significantly delay recovery [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePsychological wellbeing during reintegration\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe structured and interdependent military lifestyle fosters purpose, belonging, and identity, factors that can shield against MH concerns during service [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. However, transition to civilian life often brings emotional instability and social disconnection [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. Research shows that veterans may experience loss of identity and diminished self-worth when military roles dominate their self-concept [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e], underscoring how military experience continues to shape veterans\u0026rsquo; identities, wellbeing, and adjustment long after service. Veterans face difficulties with unresolved trauma, adjustment stress, and declining support networks, which heighten vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. During service, fear of career repercussions and being labelled 'weak' and 'unfit' contribute to stigma around help-seeking and often persist beyond discharge, leading to underreporting of MH concerns [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. This observation may explain lower reported PTSD rates among serving personnel relative to other psychological conditions and veterans. The authors emphasise the distinctiveness of reduced PTSD rates in male veterans, as most studies indicate higher prevalence rates [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. This highlights not only underreporting but also the enduring cultural imprint of service on post‑military MH.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing deployment, Sparrow et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e] observed male personnel were more likely to commit domestic violence and abuse (DVA) through emotional abuse and controlling behaviour towards family members. Alcohol misuse, MH conditions, and combat exposure drive DVA, yet stigma especially in hypermasculine military cultures, frequently delays disclosure and intervention. Additionally, reliance on a spouse for residency, finances, and social connection creates power imbalances that obstruct help-seeking [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. Similarly, Kwan et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] reported increased family and stranger violence, with 96.4% and 99.1% respectively of incidents committed by male personnel returning from deployment. These findings highlight DVA following deployment are not isolated incidents, reflecting broader patterns shaped by institutional cultures, gender norms, and structural power imbalances that extend into family and community life.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile numerous studies have investigated individual components of veteran health, there remains a significant gap in research addressing the interconnectedness of nutrition, alcohol use, and psychological wellbeing. These factors do not operate in isolation; rather, they intersect in complex ways across the military-to-civilian transition. There is a need to explore alcohol as a coping mechanism, alongside evolving dietary behaviours and their relationship to MH throughout reintegration. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by examining the convergence of these factors within the lived experiences of male veterans. By doing so, it offers a more integrated perspective on veteran health and informs the development of holistic, context-sensitive support interventions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSample\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecruitment was conducted using snowball sampling through network connections and opportunity sampling, which included advertising on social media. Variation sampling aimed to gather perspectives from different military branches and varying lengths of veteran status. Table 1 provides an overview of the participants' demographic information. The motivations for sample recruitment included offering valuable insights and a desire to help others [31].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSix participants were selected based on eligibility criteria. Inclusion criteria included (1) assigned male at birth; (2) over 18 years old; (3) served at least one year in any branch of UKAF; and (4) veteran status. With time limitations and based on previous research, six participants were deemed appropriate to provide enough data for this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eParticipant Demographic Information \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"628\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBranch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears Served\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVeteran Years\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHave been deployed on operations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipant 1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArmy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5-10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10-15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30-39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipant 2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArmy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20+\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40-49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipant 3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRoyal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10-15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30-39\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipant 4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eArmy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5-10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20+\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70-79\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipant 5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRoyal Air Force\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20+\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e50-59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipant 6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eRoyal Air Force\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20+\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;1-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15-20\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;1-5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e40-49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProcedure\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA JISC online survey was created for pre-screening to ensure participants met the inclusion criteria. This survey requested the following (1) veteran status; (2) gender; (3) duration as a veteran, and 4) duration of military service. If the criteria were met, the participant information sheet was shown and following signing, additional information requested including (1) first name; (2) email address; (3) branch of UKAF; and (4) availability for an interview. The participant was contacted via email to schedule an interview. The pre-screening was designed to prohibit unnecessary data collection.\u0026nbsp;Interviews were audio-recorded, allowing for verbatim transcription and all audio-files were permanently deleted once transcription was completed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eData Collection\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-structured interviews were scheduled with the purpose to explore personal experiences, encouraging participants to discuss their transition from military to veteran life through the use of open-ended questions. Specifically designed questions for this study (see Additional file 1) discussed topics focused on nutrition,\u0026nbsp;alcohol use, and wellbeing, the resources they accessed during their transition out of the military, the impact of their support system on their current situation, and the coping mechanisms\u0026nbsp;they used when necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll interviews lasted between 60-90 minutes, and no follow-up interviews were conducted. Three interviews were conducted in-person in a mutual and private location and three via online video calls due to location, availability and willingness to participate. In-person interviews provided opportunity to establish a good rapport, potentially stemming a more open and honest conversation. Yet, this limited the participant pool, as it required availability and time to travel to the location. As in-person recruitment slowed, online interviews provided a broader pool of participants. Though it limited body language and rapport building, it enabled willing participants to participate. Online interviews were conducted using an array of software, with participants stating their preference to limit time consuming technological barriers.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eData Analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudio recordings were transcribed verbatim, corrected for inaccuracies, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s [6] reflexive thematic analysis. Transcripts were manually coded allowing for conceptualisation and an inductive method employed to create themes, which were subsequently reviewed and reclassified after additional code regeneration [8]. Then refined through iterative review with CC to ensure consistency and analytic depth. The co‑author contributed by critically reviewing emerging themes, offering alternative perspectives, and supporting their refinement to strengthen analytic validity. Themes were defined by central organising concepts, with data extracts reread in context and incoherent categories revised, split, or merged. Involving clustering related codes and identifying underlying concepts that connected them. Analytic summaries, scope clarification, and illustrative quotes supported interpretation. Final themes were presented in the findings chapter, accompanied by commentary and situated within relevant literature and theoretical frameworks.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEthical Considerations\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs this research involves human participants and discusses sensitive topics, ethical approval\u0026nbsp;was sought and granted by Bournemouth University’s Research Ethics Committee in March 2025 (Ethics ID 61192). Identifiable data including email addresses were collected for the sole purpose of scheduling and in some cases conducting online interviews. This data was securely stored in line with the university’s data protection policy. Each participant was assigned a case number and identifying details removed from transcript and only available to researcher and supervisor. Considerations were taken with phrasing of interview questions, particularly of sensitive subjects to support participants. Participants provided written informed consent prior to interviews.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePositionality\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a female researcher with no military ties, I approached this study as an outsider. My interest in veterans’ mental health reflects a broader concern for men’s wellbeing in contexts where vulnerability is stigmatised. While my position limited lived experience, it offered curiosity and empathy that encouraged openness. Having faced my own mental health challenges, I am committed to creating space for veterans’ voices to be heard on their own terms.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe veterans interviewed reflected on their experience during military service and post-service, and how their time in the military influenced their civilian life. Four themes emerged from these interviews: alcohol as a trauma response, identity and belonging, fuelling function over nourishment and loss of structure to social support. As illustrated in figure 1, the interplay between themes underscores how their presence or absence, can either exacerebate or alleviate emotional and physical vulnerabilities. This dynamic plays a critical role in shaping veterans' coping mechanisms, sense of identity, and access to meaningful support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlcohol as a trauma response\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis theme captures alcohol use as both a coping mechanism and a tool for social connection, while also highlighting veterans’ sustained tolerance. Five participants indicated alcohol consumption facilitated military social integration and camaraderie:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“if you were one of those individuals that did shun the whole kind of social drinking, crazy night out phase, you potentially might struggle to make as good a relationship with people in a military setting”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 3, Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, five participants described military-organised nights out as reward or punishment to foster team bonding:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“if you weren't gelling well as a team for whatever reason…if you were underperforming, you'd get punished…I see as a bonding practice, send everyone downtown and let everyone have a crazy night out and then potentially, everyone will work a little bit better for a team for it, because relationships are better”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 3, Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo participants emphasised alcohol use as a coping strategy, particularly without alternative support systems:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“nobody ever…said… after…so and so dying and you being blown up…is everybody okay?… It was just, let's get drunk again”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 1, Army\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne participant described constant availability of alcohol during deployment:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“fly in pallets and pallets of tins of beer, no spirits…to keep morale up.”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, Royal Air Force (RAF)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis highlights the drinking culture as an institutionalised practice, reinforcing group cohesion while normalising excessive alcohol use. However, another participant emphasised their military branch limited engagement in excessive drinking:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“you tended not to drink when you were on operation…you had sort of big detox breaks where you weren't drinking, and obviously, as a pilot as well, you're not drinking the night before you go flying.”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 6, RAF \u0026amp; Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne participant described shifting from excessive alcohol consumption towards healthier lifestyle practices during service:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“the culture that used to be there in the officer’s mess, you know, people having drinks…now people are at the gym instead or doing their own thing.”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 6, RAF \u0026amp; Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis suggests a growing focus on health-promoting activities, potentially mirroring broader societal norms, shifting towards wellness-oriented socialising. Yet, four participants reported family members commented on their alcohol consumption, even though they did not believe this to be true:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“My wife probably thinks I drink too much now, so she probably thinks I've got a problem that I inherited from my days in the military. Personally, I don't”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, RAF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis raises concerns about high-level drinking behaviours persisting after military service, suggesting habits formed during service may carry into civilian life.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFuelling function over nourishment\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second theme reflects institutional prioritisation of energy-dense over nutrient-rich food, constrained autonomy, rigid provisioning, and limited nutrition or culinary education, shaping veterans’ long-term eating habits and wellbeing. With, five participants emphasising energy-dense meals during service, while four noted poor nutrition and restricted food choices:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“really high calorie, four meals a day…I don't want to compare it to school dinners, but it was that sort of vibe…four options, choose one…average at best with probably not the best choices that you can make.”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 3, Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive participants recalled a decline in food options, portion size, and overall quality:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“young guys...doing worse, because they were then filling up on junk food, chips and…biscuits just because they were so hungry...compared to the old days where you could actually have as much as you wanted, and decent portions and lots of choice.”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 6, RAF \u0026amp; Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive participants noted how the military does not teach personnel basic food preparation or nutrition, as food is provisioned and seen as mere fuel:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“cooking…is not productive time. It was seen as, you know, just get the fuel...in you”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, RAF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, some bases were seeing healthier changes, as one participant noted recent changes in mess hall dining, highlighting increased autonomy regarding meal macronutrient content:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“how much calories and fats were in…more like a salad area or pasta area...so you could pick and choose what you wanted, but it all massive, dependent on what camp…was on”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 2, Army\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour participants noted food quality and quantity inequalities from lower to higher ranks, with one describing budget and provision differences between bases:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“a sports nutritionist that would come in and just do tailored nutrition programs based off your weight and exercise.”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 3, Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour participants described the inadequacy of rations whilst on operation, with one participant recollecting:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“When I was on operations…our flying rations were pretty bad, a sandwich with some processed meat and a packet of crisps and a drink and a chocolate bar, if you're lucky, and that would have to last you for some 12 hours, so you probably supplement that with other food”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 6, RAF \u0026amp; Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, on bases during deployments, four participants describe good quality meals prepared by military chefs:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“some of the best food I ever had was when I was…on deployments…it was like you had different steak nights and lobster nights”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 2, Army\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, diet quality fluctuated by location, the reliance on processed, energy-dense foods and restricted choice underscored institutional disregard for nutrition, limiting control over one’s diet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLoss of structure to social support\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis theme captures how losing institutional routines and peer networks leave individuals vulnerable without social support. Four participants described the military as a structured environment that alleviated civilian tasks:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“You're just told where to be at what time, like you don't have to put any effort into really existing, like everything is just there and managed for you”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 3, Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne participant emphasised maintaining relationships and establishing life outside the military before discharge to alleviate institutional loss during reintegration:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“if you've met a partner and moved off the base…you can always take the best bits of being a serviceman…whereas, if you've just been living in a barracks all that time, fully submersed in the whole world of drinking, you know, that sort of culture, when you leave that's gone”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, RAF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother participant spoke of the camaraderie during service, emphasising that these bonds continue to offer support after military service:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“You've all been in the same situation, the chips are down, but you come through it, and\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ethat just accelerates and cements lifelong friendships. And you know that means that you would do anything to help one of your buddies out”\u003c/em\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 4, Army\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne participant observed that civilian-led support services often lack comprehension of veterans’ experiences, contributing to alienation during reintegration to civilian life:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“manned by civilians who haven't…got the experience, they can't relate because they've never done it, so they're just going through the motions.” \u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, RAF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConversely, another participant felt patronised and unsupported by serving personnel during military transition, attributing this to limited understanding of civilian life:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“going for an interview with a guy who's…been in the army for 30 years, and he's telling me what it's like in civvie street, you're still in the army, and you're telling me what it's going to be like”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 1, Army\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis highlights the structured military support system and its abrupt loss upon civilian transition, where connection is most needed. This need collides with civilian misunderstanding of military culture, deepening isolation and exposing post-service gaps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eIdentity and belonging\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis theme illustrates the shift from purpose-driven military environments to civilian life, where understanding of their lived experiences is limited, affecting identity. All participants emphasised military camaraderie and shared experiences, making loss of peer support after discharge significant:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“particularly single guys who leave the services because it was, your whole family. You know, as I said, you ate together, you played together, you fought together, did everything together. If you haven't…found a partner or something that helps you transition, then it becomes very difficult, because your whole world is gone”\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, RAF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo participants expressed superiority over civilians, believing military experiences would ease transition. However, this confidence masked unpreparedness, as losing familiar structures challenged their identity reconstruction:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“at the time, you’re young, you think, I've just been to Afghan, I've been to Iraq, now I know everything...You know absolutely nothing.”\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 1, Army\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo participants reflected on transitioning from valued service members to civilians, expressing feelings of disposability and being forgotten:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“you feel like you're a number…there's no follow up call…almost quite anticlimactic…what matters to you during the military suddenly feels as if it made no difference and does not matter to anybody else.”\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 5, RAF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis raises questions about post-military aftercare expectations and the adequacy of wellbeing support. Four participants reported greater effort in civilian social interactions, attributing this to lack of shared experience and perceived indifference towards military life:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“you have to put a lot of effort into maintain those relationships or build new ones outside of work, because having those friendships in the military is effortless, whereas if you go somewhere new, you just don't make friends in the same way that you did”\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 3, Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne participant discussed veterans idealising military service as a way to cope with present challenges, reinforcing loss and longing:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“I know lots of military guys...they’ve left and they look back with very tinted spectacles at that time they’re in and wish they were back and miss it. But you know, it’s not the same. People are different…the bureaucracy is still there. All the other issues you had, the pay isn’t as good.”\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipant 6, RAF \u0026amp; Royal Marines\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis theme underscores how the ingrained nature of military service shapes personnel identity through shared experiences, revealing how this affiliation fosters belonging while complicating self-redefinition after discharge.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to understand how nutrition, alcohol use, and wellbeing interact across male veterans' experiences, from military service through post-discharge. Findings revealed a complex interplay between these domains, demonstrating that no single aspect of military or civilian life operates in isolation. Instead, wellbeing is shaped by overlapping systems, including institutional norms, cultural expectations, and access to support. The study highlights how military structures influence veterans\u0026rsquo; post-service wellbeing, positioning reintegration as a dynamic and multifaceted process. Patterns of alcohol use and nutritional behaviour are embedded within broader struggles for identity, autonomy, and social reintegration, calling for holistic interventions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe first central theme 'alcohol as a trauma response' captured alcohol use as a coping mechanism, particularly among personnel exposed to combat stressors. Participants recounted experiences of severe injury, explosions, and loss of life, with alcohol as the only accessible form of emotional support. This aligns with research indicating combat exposure and PTSD symptoms strongly associate with increased alcohol use among military populations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. The ease of using alcohol, compared to processing trauma became an appealing coping strategy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. This underscores the need for trauma-informed interventions that address the emotional drivers of alcohol use, rather than solely focusing on behavioural outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants described how beer was flown in during deployments, enabling access to a familiar mechanism for emotional regulation. Reflecting how drinking offered personnel normalcy and control, whilst maintaining performance in high-pressure environments [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. However, this institutional facilitation may reinforce dependency, limiting healthy coping, especially where MH support is reduced. Reliance on alcohol for emotional regulation can establish maladaptive behaviours complicating post-service adjustment and increasing long-term harm [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. This intersects with the theme of \u0026lsquo;fuelling function over nourishment\u0026rsquo;, where institutional practices similarly prioritised immediate performance over long‑term nutritional wellbeing. A key recommendation is for messaging around healthy coping and trauma recovery to be embedded across service, including induction, training and transition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSome UKAF roles restrict alcohol, with one participant noting abstaining before flying was standard practice, describing operational periods as more detoxifying than social. This contrasts with literature suggesting personnel on operations often drink excessively, potentially rendering individuals unfit for duty [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. These role-based constraints counter broader drinking norms, showing how operational responsibility fosters healthier behaviours. A recommendation is to encourage senior personnel to model healthier behaviours and discuss MH openly. Normalising these discussions can reduce stigma and address psychological drivers of sustained alcohol use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Participants noted when disciplinary measures failed to improve camaraderie, the military facilitated nights out to encourage bonding and team performance. Furthermore, participants reported forming social connections during nights out, where shared experiences created lifelong friendships. While these events fostered short-term cohesion, they reinforced alcohol as a primary mechanism for relational development [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. This reinforces connections to themes, \u0026lsquo;identity and belonging\u0026rsquo; and \u0026lsquo;loss of structure to social support\u0026rsquo;, underscoring the emotional significance of military camaraderie and loss of these networks post-service.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConversely, participants acknowledged likely social exclusion for those who did not engage in excessive drinking. However, they observed a recent cultural shift within the military, with personnel choosing gym sessions and other non-alcohol-based activities, reflecting healthier social engagement. Although literature highlights weak correlation between social pressure and heavy drinking [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e], participants\u0026rsquo; experiences suggest alcohol use may be less about peer coercion and more about norms shaping social inclusion. Drinking became a habitual mechanism for connection, stress relief, and identity reinforcement, making abstention feel socially isolating [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, recommendations include requiring non-alcoholic options in social and deployment settings to provide inclusive environments, reducing social exclusion. Moreover, UKAF\u0026rsquo;s promote alternative team-building activities that foster connection without drinking, challenging perceptions of military alcohol endorsement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrinking patterns often persist post-service, with most participants recalling family members expressing concern about their alcohol consumption, suggesting excessive intake. However, these concerns were not shared by the participants, who believed their intake was within normal limits [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. The normalisation of heavy drinking in military life may distort perceptions of acceptable intake [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e] and complicate adopting healthier behaviours after discharge, when familial or societal norms conflict with ingrained habits. Suggesting participants\u0026rsquo; minimisation of concern could stem from a desire to maintain autonomy and control against social disapproval, with alcohol functioning as a cultural anchor to military belonging and resistance to civilian assimilation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe second theme, 'fuelling function over nourishment', revealed UKAF's focus on energy-density meals, yet lacking nutritional value, satiety and autonomy in choice. Veterans described base meals as energy-dense yet nutritionally average, lacking variety, highlighting standard provision inadequacy. A systematic review by Bayes et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] found defence personnel often consume diets low in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and micronutrients, relying on added sugars and processed meats. Additionally, Fallowfield et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] argue that nutrition should be a core military capability, as suboptimal diets can impair physical and cognitive performance, elevating chronic illness risk. It is recommended to supplement energy-dense foods with nutrient-rich alternatives such as wholegrains, nuts and legumes for energy and recovery [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVeterans' accounts of deployment diets reveal tensions between logistics and nutrition adequacy. While ration packs provided high-energy sustenance during operations, they lacked essential nutrients, requiring supplementation. In contrast, on deployment bases, higher-quality meals were seen as markers of care and morale. Reflecting constraints and assumptions about sufficient nourishment in different contexts. Contrast between rations and base meals reveal nutritional access disparities affecting operational readiness and post-service diet. Vidal et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e] found recent ration improvements aligned with emerging research, highlighting the need to assess UKAF food provisions beyond functional approaches to nutritional adequacy. Recommendations include improving rations to meet nutritional benchmarks for fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals to maintain performance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, necessary supplementation for optimal function [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants highlighted limited autonomy in food variety, citing rigid portioning and constrained choices. This is in contrast to earlier years in the UKAF, with veterans recalling a wider range of tastier meals during the bulk of their career. Demonstrating that diverse provisions are feasible while meeting requirements. Emerging reforms like salad bars and macronutrient labelling, reported by a participant, indicate a shift towards health-conscious provisioning. Though these changes remain inconsistent across UKAF bases. To support personnel and veterans, buffet-style food areas should be distributed across UKAF bases to promote food variety and autonomy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVeterans described food provision inequalities across UKAF ranks, with lower-ranking personnel facing restricted mess hall options and relying on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to meet energy needs. This reliance compromised nutritional quality, reinforcing marginalisation within the hierarchy. A veteran highlighted disparities through tailored meal plans from sports nutritionists at select Marine bases. These inconsistencies reflect broader structural inequities within military food systems and underscore the need for standardised, health-promoting provisions across ranks. The prevalence of fast-food in on-base supermarkets reflects a systemic neglect of health-promoting provisions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Recommendations include ensuring equitable food access throughout the UKAF, recognising varied nutritional demands for lower-ranked personnel [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, standardising nutrient-dense meals reducing UPF dependence [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCulinary skills are scarce in military culture, as cooking is not considered productive, according to participants. Literature highlights poor nutritional understanding among military personnel, with limited education opportunities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Veterans can struggle to manage diets, relying on support networks to develop cooking skills [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. This reflects 'loss of structure to social support' and 'identity and belonging', as institutional dependency shifts to self-care. Recommendations include UK veteran culinary workshops and community kitchens [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] and embedding nutrition training into service education for informed choices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe third theme, 'loss of structure to social support', contrasts military life's rigid structure and civilian society's unstructured nature. Participants described how centrally managed tasks like scheduling and healthcare enabled focus on operations, fostering reliance on institutional structure and leaving veterans unprepared for civilian autonomy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. This was echoed by Misca et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] highlighting the abrupt loss of structured support leads to disorientation, isolation, and identity disruption. The study observed how identity, relationships, employment, and MH shape veterans' transitions. This connects \u0026lsquo;identity and belonging\u0026rsquo; and \u0026lsquo;alcohol as a trauma response\u0026rsquo;, as some veterans use alcohol to cope with the emotional void left by fractured social and institutional ties. These findings indicate the need to research transition complexities holistically.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Participants emphasised the enduring strength of military friendships, noting these connections provided meaningful support after service. Interestingly, Kleykamp et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e] found support was not a significant predictor of transition outcomes among US veterans, identifying military identity, exit triggers, and transition planning as influential factors. In this context, military friendships may serve less as anchors amid disorientation rather than formal outcome predictors. This shift from a regulated, mission-driven culture to civilian life can trigger emotional upheaval [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. Peer bonds offer continuity, shared language, belonging that civilian networks may struggle to replicate [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. While not statistically predictive, military friendships may be psychologically protective, helping veterans reorient without institutional structure. Though further research is needed to explore peer relationships during reintegration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudy participants described family support networks prior to discharge as key to their reintegration, as family connections improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and support recovery and autonomy. This is supported by a study of US veterans, finding those without support reported higher PTSD symptoms and lower life satisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Likewise, Gordon et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] highlighted family support's importance, with veterans identifying it as crucial to transitions. Therefore, expanding access to family-focused education services is recommended to help address maladaptive behaviours fostering more resilient home environments during transition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eObservations by participants identified those living in barracks with strong military identity struggled most with reintegration, stemming from the contrast between military and civilian values, and loss of structure and camaraderie post-discharge [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Compounding this issue is military culture\u0026rsquo;s patriotic, sacrificial, and zero-defect ethos, discouraging help-seeking and reinforcing resistance to vulnerability [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. Research identifies persistent barriers to support services, including stigma and limited awareness of when to seek help [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. These challenges, particularly among veterans experiencing MH difficulties and alcohol misuse, underscore the need to adapt services to address cultural and psychological factors hindering early intervention [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVeterans noted that civilians providing services often lack military understanding and language, leaving veterans feeling isolated and misunderstood. Another participant received unhelpful advice about civilian life from a long-serving military officer, leaving them feeling unsupported. Both accounts reveal nuances in the challenges surrounding help-seeking, though they are individual. Research illustrates rebuilding structure through personalised routines can mitigate post-discharge disorientation, helping veterans reclaim identity and routine on their own terms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, services are recommended to include veteran mentors to help translate military routines into civilian contexts like daily practices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Mentors can connect veterans to community services and foster supportive friendships.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fourth theme, \u0026lsquo;identity and belonging\u0026rsquo;, highlighted camaraderie and shared bonds unifying identities during service, contrasting with isolation, loss of purpose, and feeling misunderstood in civilian life. Veterans approached transition confidently, believing combat equipped them for post-discharge challenges. However, this perceived resilience often obscured the emotional and structural complexities of civilian reintegration, resulting in delayed help-seeking and disrupted identity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Literature reflects these findings, noting that military training fosters self-reliance and perceived superiority, with personnel frequently viewing themselves as more capable and disciplined than civilians [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Such beliefs can hinder psychological adjustment and engagement with support systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Interventions should educate the public and employers about veterans\u0026rsquo; strengths while helping veterans communicate their skills to civilians [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVeterans described feeling disposable after discharge, experiencing an anticlimactic and emotionally disorienting transition. The abrupt shift from serving a mission perceived as greater than oneself, to navigating fragmented civilian systems left many questioning their value and purpose. Existing literature confirms these feelings of neglect. Grant et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] highlights existential separation, where veterans grapple with disconnection from past identity and uncertainty, often intensified by discharge experiences perceived as institutional betrayal. When identity is tied to institutional values, such betrayal can be deeply corrosive, contributing to MH challenges and eroding trust in support systems [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. However, Dolan et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] notes that not all veterans retain a strong military identity post-discharge, as many distance themselves from institutional affiliations to pursue new values.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVeterans identified the loss of camaraderie and unity during transition as a major challenge, particularly for single men. This underscores the military\u0026rsquo;s role as a surrogate family and highlights the relational loss upon discharge. Single veterans, lacking anchors outside the AF, often face transition without the emotional scaffolding needed to cope. This finding adds nuance by illustrating how relational status intensifies transition difficulties. Similarly, Sachdev et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e] noted that military bonds are forged through shared experiences prioritising service over self, reflecting ingrained military culture. This contrasts with civilian individualism, contributing to existential disorientation and difficulty connecting with non-military peers. Romaniuk and Kidd [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e] emphasised the loss of culture, community, and purpose as central to post-discharge adjustment. These losses erode the moral framework that once legitimised their sacrifice.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne finding revealed veterans often recalled military careers through \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;tinted spectacles,\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e idealising service while overlooking bureaucratic inefficiencies, inadequate compensation, and interpersonal dynamics. This selective memory serves as a coping mechanism to reconcile dissonance between past and present identities, as veterans report feelings of insignificance in civilian tasks [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. By obscuring the structural shortcomings, idealisation may reinforce systemic blind spots, prolonging transitional difficulties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. These dynamics reflect themes, \u0026lsquo;alcohol as a trauma response\u0026rsquo; and \u0026lsquo;loss of structure to social support\u0026rsquo;, where isolation and nostalgia drive excessive drinking. This reversion to familiar coping behaviours leads to poor nutritional choices, aligning with \u0026lsquo;fuelling function over nourishment\u0026rsquo;.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA consistent theme across veteran narratives was the difficulty of forming meaningful civilian friendships, described as effortful, superficial, and lacking the depth of military bonds. Unlike trust-based relationships forged through shared hardship, civilian connections were perceived as fragmented and transient, even decades after discharge. This reflects findings by Flack and Kite [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e], who note that military identity and interdependence can hinder post-service social connectedness when veterans struggle with civilian norms and values. Armstrong [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e] similarly highlights a relational void in civilian life, where absence of shared experience undermines potentially deep connections. These insights show the emotional legacy of military camaraderie and challenges in rebuilding relational depth outside the institution. It is recommended civilian-led services receive training in military culture, and trauma-informed practice to contextualise veteran experiences, reducing miscommunication.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLimitations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study had several limitations. Firstly, it relied on retrospective, self-reported accounts from a small sample, introducing potential bias and limiting generalisability of findings. Secondly, all participants had access to support networks, several secured immediate post-service employment and reported no severe service-related injuries. These factors shaped their transition experiences, underscoring the need for research involving veterans with different circumstances, such as those facing unemployment, injury, or disability. Thirdly, recent changes within the UKAF may affect the relevance of some findings, particularly for current personnel or recent veterans, as evolving institutional practices could render certain recommendations outdated. Fourthly, ongoing efforts to improve diversity, inclusion, and MH provision within the military may also influence transition experiences not captured by this study. Finally, much existing research focuses on serving personnel, often within the US military context. There remains a significant gap in UK-based research on veterans, particularly studies exploring systemic and relational dimensions of transition.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study has illustrated the intwined challenges veterans encounter during civilian reintegration, particularly regarding identity disruption, relational loss, alcohol use as a coping strategy, and the functional significance of nutrition. The findings underscore the need for diverse interventions that address not only individual behaviours but also systemic and cultural factors shaping veterans\u0026rsquo; post-service wellbeing. Future research should prioritise female veterans\u0026rsquo; experiences. Gendered dynamics of transition, including stigma and help-seeking behaviours, remain underexplored yet critical to understanding the full spectrum of veteran experiences.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecent geopolitical developments have intensified pressure on military personnel through increased operational demands, ethical complexity, and psychological strain. Heightened defence spending and strategic reorientations have led to more frequent deployments and exposure to moral injury, particularly in technologically mediated warfare. These shifts affect serving personnel and shape the transition landscape for veterans, compounding challenges around identity, MH, and lifestyle factors.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutrition and alcohol consumption remain central to maintaining health and resilience of both serving personnel and veterans yet are often overlooked in ways that obscure their relational and symbolic significance. Creating a culture of health in the military demands that policymakers reform not only nutrition education and food systems but norms and availability surrounding alcohol. Future studies should examine everyday practices like eating and drinking intersect with trauma, identity, and institutional culture, and how they can be leveraged in holistic, trauma-informed interventions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAF:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eArmed Forces\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDVA\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e: Domestic violence and abuse\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMH:\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e Mental Health\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePTSD\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e: Post-traumatic stress disorder\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRAF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e: Royal Air Forces\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eUKAF\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e: United Kingdom Armed Forces\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eU.S.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e: United States\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current study was approved by the ethics committee of Bournemouth University’s Research Ethics Committee (Ethics ID 61192). This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards and regulations of Bournemouth University, and with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments. All participants signed informed consent to participate in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interview data generated and analysed during this study are not publicly available due to ethical and confidentiality constraints. Participants were assured anonymity, and the dataset contains sensitive personal information. De-identified excerpts may be shared upon reasonable request and subject to approval by the relevant ethics committee. Requests for access to the data should be directed to the corresponding author, Alexandra Dowding, at [email protected].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors’ contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAD as first author undertook study design, obtained ethical approval, recruitment, interviews, data analysis and interpretation and manuscript writing. This was conducted under supervision of CC, who provided feedback during manuscript writing and theme development. MB reviewed and edited manuscript and supported in publication. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would like to acknowledge the veterans who kindly discussed their experiences.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAitken D, Kinane C. An evaluation of veteran-led peer support services for UK veterans with complex mental health needs. J Veteran Stud. 2024;10(1):76\u0026ndash;84.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArmstrong E. British Army Veterans\u0026rsquo; Experiences of the Transition into Civilian Life: An Ultra-Realist Perspective. 1st ed. London: Routledge; 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrington L, Bland A, Keenan J. Courage, camaraderie and compassion: a qualitative exploration into UK military veterans\u0026rsquo; experiences of self-compassion within the context of alcohol use disorders and recovery. BMJ Mil Health. 2025;171:45\u0026ndash;50.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBayes J, Burch E, Lauche R, Wardle J. What is the dietary intake and nutritional status of defence members: a systematic literature review. Nutr Res Rev. 2024;38(1):267\u0026ndash;81.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack M, LaCroix R, Hoerster K, Chen S, Ritchey K, Souza M, Utech A, Thielke S. Healthy Teaching Kitchen Programs: Experiential Nutrition Education Across Veterans Health Administration, 2018. Am J Public Health. 2019;109(12):1718\u0026ndash;21.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBraun V, Clarke V. Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. London: SAGE Publications Ltd; 2022.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrowstow D, Smith A, Bahraini N, Besterman-Dahan K, Forster J, Brenner L. Nutrition and Food Security Among Veterans: Operationalizing Nutritional Functioning. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024;105(8):1520\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBryne D. A worked example of Braun and Clarke\u0026rsquo;s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Qual Quant. 2021;56,1391\u0026thinsp;\u0026ndash;\u0026thinsp;412.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarins J, Fisher B, Probert B, Fallowfield J. Valuing Health and Performance: A Case for Prioritizing Nutrition. Mil Med. 2025;190(7\u0026ndash;8):1578\u0026ndash;86.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChukwura C, Santo TJ, Waters C, Andrews A. Nutrition is out of our control\u0026rsquo;: soldiers\u0026rsquo; perceptions of their local food environment. Public Health Nutr. 2019;22(15):2766\u0026ndash;76.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChui Z, Fear N, Greenberg N, Jones N, Jones E, Goodwin L. Combat exposure and co-occurring mental health problems in UK Armed Forces personnel. J Ment Health. 2020;31(5):624\u0026ndash;33.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDexter AS, Pope J, Erickson D, Fontenot C, Ollendike E, Walker E. Cooking Education Improves Cooking Confidence and Dietary Habits in Veterans. Diabetes Educ. 2019;45(4):442\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDolan G, McCauley M, Murphy D. Factors Influencing the Salience of Military/Veteran Identity Post Discharge: A Scoping Review. J Veteran Stud. 2022;8(1):231\u0026ndash;46.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFallowfield JL, McClung JP, Gaffney-Stomberg E, Probert B, Peterson R, Charlebois A, Boilard H, Carins J, Kilding H. Nutrition as a military capability to deliver human advantage: more people, more ready, more of the time. BMJ Mil Health. 2024.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinnegan A, Randles R. Prevalence of common mental health disorders in military veterans: using primary healthcare data. BMJ Mil Health. 2023;169:523\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlack M, Kite L. Transition from military to civilian: Identity, social connectedness, and veteran wellbeing. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(12):e0261634.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFogle B, Tsai J, Mota N, Harpaz-Rotem I, Krystal J, Southwick S, Pietrzak R. The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study: A Narrative Review and Future Directions. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:538218.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGordon K, Burnell K, Wilson C. Outside the Military Bubble: Life after Service for UK Ex-armed Forces Personnel. \u003cem\u003eFront Public Health\u003c/em\u003e. 2020;3; 8:50.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrant C, Woodyatt L, Bowen H, Lane J. Once a Soldier, always a Soldier until you\u0026rsquo;re not: The effect of identity loss on mental health and well-being following military discharge. Mil Psychol. 2025a; 1\u0026ndash;14.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrant C, Woodyatt L, Bowen H, Lane J. Fallout: the psychosocial harms of negative military discharge experiences. Front Psychol. 2025b;16.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHatch-McChesney A, Smith TJ, Nutrition. Immune Function, and Infectious Disease in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2023;15(23):4999.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHitch C, Toner P, Armour CA, Qualitative Systematic. Review of Enablers and Barriers to Help Seeking for Veterans that have Completely Left the Military Within the Context of Mental Health and Alcohol. J Vet Stud. 2023;9(1):15\u0026ndash;30.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHitch C, Toner P, Champion H, Armour C. Lifetime trauma, mental wellbeing, alcohol and help-seeking; the phenomenological experience of veterans residing in Northern Ireland. BMC Psychol. 2024;12:479.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIrizar P, Leightley D, Stevelink S, Rona R, Jones N, Gouni K, Puddephatt J-A, Fear N, Wessely S, Goodwin L. 2020. Drinking motivations in UK serving and ex-serving military personnel. \u003cem\u003eOccupational Med\u003c/em\u003e. 2020;7 (4) 259\u0026ndash;267.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohnson A, Serra G, Tomietto M, Kiernan M. Identifying the risk factors associated with food insecurity in the UK veteran population: a nationwide survey. J Nutr Sci. 2024;13:63.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKleykamp M, Montgomery S, Pang A, Schrader K. Military Identity and Planning for the Transition out of the Military. Mil Psychol. 2021;33(6):372\u0026ndash;91.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKwan J, Jones M, Somaini G, Hull L, Wessely S, Fear NT. MacManus, D. Post-deployment family violence among UK military personnel. Psychol Med. 2017;48(13):2202\u0026ndash;12.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeightley D, Williamson C, Rona R, Carr E, Shearer J, Davis J, Simms A, Fear N, Goodwin L, Murphy D. 2022. Evaluating the Efficacy of the Drinks:Ration Mobile App to Reduce Alcohol Consumption in a Help-Seeking Military Veteran Population: Randomized Controlled Trial. \u003cem\u003eJMIR Mhealth Uhealth.\u003c/em\u003e 2022;10(6).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMisca G, Augustus J, Russell J, Walker J. Meaning(s) of transition(s) from military to civilian life at the intersection with mental health: implications for clinical settings. Front Psychol. 2023;14.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNasveld P, Cotea C, Pullman S, Pietrzak E. Effects of deployment on mental health in modern military forces: A review of longitudinal studies. J Mil Veterans Health 2021;2.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNegrin K, Slaughter S, Olson, Dahlke S. Successful Recruitment to Qualitative Research: A Critical Reflection. Int J Qualitative Methods. 2022;21.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eO\u0026rsquo;Leary T, Wardle S, Greeves J. Energy Deficiency in Soldiers: The Risk of the Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Syndromes in the Military. Front Nutr. 2020;7;142.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOsborne A, Wilson-Menzfeld G, McGill G, Kiernan M. Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review. Occup Med. 2022;72(5):313\u0026ndash;23.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalmer L, Norton S, Jones M, Rona R, Goodwin L, Fear N. Trajectories of alcohol misuse among the UK Armed Forces over a 12-year period. Addiction. 2021;117(1):57\u0026ndash;67.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRhead R, MacManus D, Jones M, Greenberg N, Fear N, Goodwin L. Mental health disorders and alcohol misuse among UK military veterans and the general population: a comparison study. Psychol Med. 2020;52(2):292\u0026ndash;302.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRomaniuk M, Kidd C. The Psychological Adjustment Experience of Reintegration Following Discharge from Military Service: A Systematic Review. J Mil Veterans Health 2021;26(2).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSachdev S, Dixit S. Military to civilian cultural transition experiences of retired military personnel: A systematic meta-synthesis. Mil Psychol. 2023; 25;36(6); 579\u0026thinsp;\u0026ndash;\u0026thinsp;92.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShepard S, Sherman D, MacLean A, Kay AC. The Challenges of Military Veterans in Their Transition to the Workplace: A Call for Integrating Basic and Applied Psychological Science. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2021;16(3):590\u0026ndash;613.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSparrow K, Alves-Costa F, Alves A, Greenberg N, Howard L, Fear N, MacManus D. The experience of health and welfare workers in identifying and responding to domestic abuse among military personnel in the UK. BMC Health Serv Res. 2020;20:947.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Nutrition and Food Services: Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program [online], U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Washington DC; 2025 [Accessed 7 December 2025]. Available from: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.nutrition.va.gov/Healthy_Teaching_Kitchen.asp\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Healthy_Teaching_Kitchen.asp\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVidal V, Jensen IJ, Sandbakk O, Haugnes P, Austeen M, Gjeldnes R, Svihus B, Lerfall J. Military rations: Nutritional, sensorial and technological quality and their effects on military physical exercise in extreme environments. Nutr Res Reviews. 2024;38(1):324\u0026ndash;37.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVyas N, Cialdella-Kam L. Comparison of Energy and Nutrient Intake vs. Estimated Needs in Warfighters: an Update. Curr Nutr Rep 2020;(9) 405\u0026ndash;13.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZielinska M, Luszczki E, Deren K. Dietary Nutrient Deficiencies and Risk of Depression (Review Article 2018\u0026ndash;2023). Nutrients. 2023;15(11); 2433.35.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Veterans, military, identity, alcohol consumption, nutrition, reintegration, wellbeing","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8412508/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8412508/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study investigates the interplay between psychological wellbeing, alcohol use and nutrition, revealing how these interconnected lifestyle factors shape veterans\u0026rsquo; reintegration experience.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eReflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret the lived experiences of male veterans from diverse branches of the UK Armed Forces (UKAF). Six semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person or online, using open-ended questions. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFour themes emerged. First, \u0026lsquo;\u003cem\u003ealcohol as a trauma response\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e illustrated alcohol as a military coping mechanism persisting after discharge. Second, \u003cem\u003e\u0026lsquo;fuelling function over nourishment\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e revealed preferences for energy-dense food driven by constrained autonomy and rigid portioning. Third, \u003cem\u003e\u0026lsquo;loss of structure to social support\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e highlighted the impact of losing military bonds and structured interdependence. Finally, \u003cem\u003e\u0026lsquo;identity and belonging\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e captured veterans\u0026rsquo; feelings of disposability and being misunderstood in civilian life.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings highlight the need for trauma-informed reintegration strategies addressing psychological impacts of losing structure and identity, particularly for alcohol misuse. They emphasise strengthening social support and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food and education during service and transition. Recommendations include increasing nutrient-dense foods, culinary education, reducing alcohol normalisation, and expanding peer-led mentorship for supportive reintegration.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Lifestyle Factors in UK Veterans’ Reintegration to Civilian Life: A Qualitative Exploration","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-08 15:41:22","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8412508/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"275731102989803010528256606582254133264","date":"2026-02-13T13:39:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-13T09:12:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"132104351438165706276549238117731330313","date":"2026-02-13T08:40:22+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-02-05T11:20:11+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"244281285566936232491889692825804255970","date":"2026-02-05T06:25:43+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-07T03:59:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-01-07T03:57:34+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-01-01T09:08:06+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-12-31T06:27:29+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Public Health","date":"2025-12-31T06:18:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"0160ddec-15ea-48be-bcfc-5b9375723923","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 8th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-08T15:41:23+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-08 15:41:22","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8412508","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8412508","identity":"rs-8412508","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}