The Skillful Veteran: Transforming Overseas Experience into Competence, from the Military to Civilian Working Life Domain

Veterans returning from military service often struggle to translate their occupational experiences into recognized civilian employment skills, despite possessing valuable competencies. This study examines how Swedish veterans from international overseas deployments navigate this transition, using qualitative data from in-depth interviews and reflective writings with 33 participants. Grounded in Donald Schön’s theory of the reflective practitioner, the research frames veterans’ career transitions as reflective processes involving navigation of uncertain professional territories. The study investigates how veterans demonstrate the value of their military experiences, how employers perceive these skills, and the societal narratives shaping transition outcomes. Despite possessing competencies in leadership, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication, veterans frequently encounter misconceptions that obscure their professional value. Four key themes emerge: situation contextualization (adapting skills to new environments), flexible performance (and self-efficacy), cross-cultural communication (empathic approach), and initiative-taking (inventing space for action). These themes illustrate how veterans create meaning and agency in civilian work environments through reflective practice. The findings reframe veterans as competent resources rather than vulnerable subjects, offering practical insights for employers seeking diverse talent, policymakers developing transition programs, and veterans themselves navigating career changes. This research contributes to understanding skill transferability and professional identity transformation in post-military careers.