---
"title": "War and Sacrifice in the Post-9/11 Era: Combat, Trauma and Re-entry"
"description": "Two-thirds (67%) of post-9/11 combat veterans who had traumatic wartime experiences say their readjustment to civilian life was difficult."
"date": "2011-10-06"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Russell Heimlich"
    "job_title": "Former web developer"
    "link": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
"url": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/short-reads/2011/10/06/war-and-sacrifice-in-the-post-911-era-combat-trauma-and-re-entry/"
---

# War and Sacrifice in the Post-9/11 Era: Combat, Trauma and Re-entry

There is a strong link between traumatic wartime experiences and difficulties readjusting to civilian life. Two-thirds (67%) of post-9/11 combat veterans who had traumatic wartime experiences say their readjustment to civilian life after leaving the military was difficult (with 25% describing it as very difficult). Among veterans who did not have these types of experiences, only three-in-ten (31%) say their re-entry to civilian life was difficult. [Read More](https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/social-trends/2011/10/05/war-and-sacrifice-in-the-post-911-era/5/#chapter-4-re-entry-to-civilian-life)