Veteran Policy Insights

Photo by SFC Gary Cooper/U.S. Army

Despite the strong representation of Black Americans in the military, there is little research on how they fare after their service. RAND researchers examined how military service might be correlated with the postmilitary experiences of Black Americans and explored several factors that could be meaningful to their well-being, focusing on physical and behavioral health, economic stability, and interpersonal relationships—finding both positive and negative outcomes.

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Among Black Americans, Is Military Service Associated with Better Quality of Life?

Photo by Sgt. Jessica Elbouab/U.S. Army

Women's military experiences and post-service needs often differ from those of men. However, policies and programs to support veterans' transitions to civilian life often fall short in meeting the needs of the growing population of veteran women, according to RAND researchers.

Reproductive health care is a critical component of comprehensive care for women, and RAND research has shown that gaps for military-affiliated women begin when they are on active duty, particularly in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision on reproductive rights in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.

Photo courtesy of Dog Tag Inc.

Dog Tag Inc. is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help veterans, their spouses, and caregivers reintegrate into civilian life, focusing on entrepreneurial and employment opportunities. These groups may face difficulties rebuilding identity, finding purpose, and seeking fulfilling and meaningful work; Dog Tag Inc. helped in all these areas—and alumni are extremely likely to recommend the fellowship to others. RAND researchers examined how this innovative fellowship program shapes the careers and life trajectories of its alumni through interviews and a survey that RAND helped revise.

Rigorous data collection helps programs track their impact, and this is a great example of how RAND can collaborate with nonprofit programs to evaluate impact.

• Kayla Williams testified before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee on the impact of VA's recent interim final rule on abortion and abortion counseling on women's access to the full spectrum of VA care, including reproductive health care (watch or read).
• Institute codirector Carrie Farmer testified on The Promise and Challenges of VA Community Care before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (watch or read). The work was also cited in a piece about how patients' access to telehealth in VA might factor into community care eligibility in the future and another about declining wait times.
• Natalie Ernecoff and Carrie Farmer published a commentary on the RAND Blog, “Setting Standards for Delivering High-Quality Care to Veterans with Invisible Wounds.”
• Carrie Farmer was quoted on the challenges and possibilities of year-round health insurance for all National Guard members.
• Kyleanne Hunter and Sarah Meadows discussed the national security implications of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision.
• Carrie Farmer recorded a video on perceptions of PTSD among employers for the Warrior Community Integration Symposium.
• Kyleanne Hunter weighed in on the recurring debate on who gets to call themselves a combat veteran—and whether it matters.