While in the military, soldiers utilize many different skills and strengths. However, when soldiers separate from the military, they face the challenges of reintegrating back into society. Some of the main problems that veterans can face include, but are not limited to: substance use, family readjustment, homelessness, and suicide. Some veterans have an easier time than others in making this transition, which begged the question as to why that was. This study researched the character strengths and the skills used in the military and to what degree these skills and strengths are being utilized during the reintegration process.

One hundred and fifty-six veterans participated in this study. They responded to multiple questionnaires including the Post-Deployment Reintegration Inventory (PDRI), the Response to Stressful Events Scale (RSES-4), a custom-made transferable skills survey, and the Values in Action (VIA-72) questionnaire. Additionally, participants answered demographic questions.

Results of the study demonstrated there are specific skills and strengths that led to successful reintegration. Additionally, results showed that if a veteran had higher resiliency, then he/she would have fewer problems with reintegration. Lastly, when analyzing which variables had the biggest impact on reintegration, it was found that higher levels of resiliency, social intelligence, fairness, zest, judgment, and key transferable skills were predictive of fewer reintegration issues.

The information founded in this research is important to the revamping of reintegration programs, as well as for preparing mental health professionals in better assisting veterans' transition to the civilian world.