Transition is not just a change of uniform, but a transformation of persona, strength, resilience into limitless possibilities. ~ Capt Shakil Ahmed

Note- This write-up started off as a comment to the insightful article by Lt Col CK Jena (Read here->> https://shorturl.at/noCJV) on Imposter Syndrome but overshot the word limit. I thought I should share it here.?

?

THE VETERAN PARADOX

?

As a veteran who underwent this transition journey over two decades ago, I have come to recognise a paradox that unfolds during this period of transition.??

?

While the Imposter Syndrome that often plagues veterans stems from the remarkable breadth of roles they have undertaken and the exceptional results they have achieved under immense pressure and adversity, a superiority complex also afflicts the mind which stems from the no-failure, zero-error and back-up of a back-up of a back-up syndrome. I will elaborate on this later.

?

I vividly recall the constant race against time and the steep learning curve that defined my own experience. It was a battle that demanded relentless dedication and an unwavering commitment to the mission and every officer was ready for the ultimate sacrifice, if it came to that. Additionally, as officers, we place immense trust in our subordinates and the existing systems that support us and we know that it will never fail us, creating a protected ecosystem that gets things done, while you do not inherit the same in the civvy street. These aspects add to the Imposter Syndrome as well because many times an officer doesn't exactly know how a particular job gets done (not in a negative sense but just how the system/ subordinates take care of it). I'm sure many will vehemently deny this, but I am certain that a few will agree. So, when you leave the system and trusted subordinates, anxiety and self-doubt creep in. More importantly, this ecosystem takes care not only of the officer but the family in all respects as well.

?

However, I must acknowledge the paradox that crept into my psyche once I embarked on the civilian path. I found myself constantly comparing the ways of the Army with the civilian world, at times unintentionally looking down upon certain aspects such as timelines, quality of results, structured work methodologies, communication, and behaviour. I couldn't help but wonder why simple tasks/ projects that would take my subordinates a mere two days in the Army would take two months in the civilian realm (actual multiple instances and I still face it). Initially, frustration and anger consumed me as I attempted to introduce more efficient ways of working, only to find that my suggestions fell on deaf ears. This despite everyone around me acknowledging (in private) that my ways were certainly better but it doesn’t happen that way here. "Yeh aapki Fauj nahi hai, Captain Sahab!" :)

?

Nevertheless, I firmly believe in the value of adhering to the principles and practices instilled in us during our time in the Armed Forces. For me, it proved to be a guiding light amidst the uncertainty and ambiguity I encountered later. Personally, I grappled with a blend of a Superiority Complex and a moderate Imposter Syndrome, realising that many of us undergo similar struggles.

?

Transitioning from the Army to civilian life necessitates unlearning the tendencies to assert authority, embracing chaos without succumbing to it, relinquishing rigid frameworks in favour of imaginative and innovative ideas, replacing bellowed-out orders with persuasive and diplomatic communication, shedding the veil of military jargon that perplexes civilians, easing the grip of suspicion, and developing trust in others, understanding that not every decision requires permission, recognising that life encompasses more than just mission accomplishment. It also means embracing individuality and diverse styles, departing from the battle-ready mindset, and adopting a more poised, serene and relaxed approach. All the above is easier said than done. One has to constantly practice opening one's mind to think differently than already ingrained, focus on learning things anew and try to understand the paradigm shift that is happening to them.

?

One's personality plays a significant role in this transition. If you were a diligent professional in the Armed Forces, your character would remain steadfast, and others will naturally respect and value it. The converse is equally true. Unlike the military, where simply donning a uniform and showing up at the right time and right place, operating under the radar of a well-oiled system may suffice for many, the agile and dynamic civilian world demands that you earn respect and credibility through your performance and own merits. The shift from a cost-centre mindset to a return-on-investment perspective proves invaluable.

?

I have been sharing my thoughts and experiences with transitioning veterans for the past twenty years now. It is heartening to see a lot of initiatives in this space and I look forward to contributing more soon. Here’s wishing all "transitioners" a fulfilling and harmonious endeavour ahead.

?

Cheers!

?