Jan Grimell ^*

• Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

As service members transition from deployment to civilian life, they must reintegrate into society, which involves "softening" veteran or warrior identities to accommodate both existing and new ways of life. Research indicates that the warrior mindset, while initially beneficial for mission focus, can have detrimental long-term health effects. This mindset can be costly not only for individuals and their families but also for healthcare services and other agencies. This article presents findings from a recent study of twenty-four Swedish veterans who experienced deteriorating mental health without receiving a clinical diagnosis. Participants were selected with the help of the Veterans' Clinic at Uppsala University Hospital, having been screened for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but not formally diagnosed. This study focuses on a significant yet understudied group. Veterans were chosen based on deteriorating mental health, increased suffering related to PTSD symptoms, and moral, existential, and identity issues. The sample included veterans from the Swedish Armed Forces (19) and other agencies (5). Their deployment histories ranged from 1-8 tours, with some having interrupted planned or ongoing deployments. Interviews were conducted via videoconference during a severe COVID-19 wave in early 2022. The study analyzed veteran identities through the masks of secrecy, stoicism, and denial, elements of the "Mask of the Warrior" described by Wertsch (1991). This mask is intended to help veterans maintain focus and endure stress but can exacerbate suffering later in life. The analysis found that veterans often remained stoic about their mental health, kept their suffering private, and denied the negative impacts of their deployments. This approach proved counterproductive, affecting not just the individuals but also their families and post-deployment life. Additionally, secrecy and denial at the societal level led to insufficient understanding and support from the healthcare system and other agencies. This gap made it challenging for these institutions to provide adequate care and recognize the veterans' needs. The lack of societal and organizational recognition for veterans' sacrifices can be seen as a failing implicit work contract, potentially leading to character erosion.