War in Afghanistan: Life after the military



Approximately 5,000 members are currently "released" annually from the Canadian Forces. About 39,000 Canadian soldiers served in Afghanistan, with 4,181 now receiving benefits from Veterans Affairs as a direct result of their service in Afghanistan.

Those who have the hardest time transitioning to civilian life are usually young, have fewer years of service and haven't planned for a life after the military.

Another group is reservists, who leave their jobs to serve overseas and are expected to somehow simply melt back into their old lives.

Half the soldiers in the military today have a high school education or less, which doesn't always help in the job search.