Date
1-16-2025
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)
Chair
Davies Sasere
Keywords
transition, military culture, public administration, policy implementation theory
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
Recommended Citation
Flores, Claudia, "A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of Military Veterans' Lived Experiences with the Cultural Transition Process: Navigating from the Military Culture to Civilian Life" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6430.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6430
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the process of cultural reintegration of service members from the military culture to the civilian culture, and to critically examine the implementation of existing Department of Defense (DoD) military transition policies designed to facilitate this reintegration. Policy implementation theory, pioneered by Jeffrey Pressman and Aaron Wildavsky, served as a framework to evaluate the efficacy of the DoD’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in supporting cultural reintegration. The study also drew upon the military transition theory, pioneered by Carl Castro and Sara Kintzle, which highlights the acculturation challenges faced by veterans, due to a significant cultural gap impacting veterans’ personal and professional lives. Using qualitative interviews and document analysis, findings from this study identified key themes: the sense of disconnection veterans experience following separation from service and the necessity for them to redefine their personal and professional identities in civilian life. Additionally, while TAP aims to support the successful transition of service members into civilian life, findings from this study suggest that transitioning service members require a more comprehensive program to address unanticipated cultural and identity-related challenges. This study positions the military-to-civilian transition process as a critical issue in governance. Empirically, findings suggest the need for more coordinated, long-term support systems that involve federal, state, and local governments. Findings from this study also advance public administration’s role in advocating for a more comprehensive approach, emphasizing that transition support must go beyond employment to include cultural reintegration, ultimately enhancing veterans’ preparedness for navigating the complexities of post-service life.
