From soldier to civilian: The unseen toll of medical discharge

For 15 years, Craig lived his dream as a Royal Engineer in the British Army, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal. From childhood, he had only ever imagined one future: a life in the military.

“As a child, I used to say to my mum and dad, ‘I don’t really need school – I’m going in the Army,’” he said. “It was all I ever wanted. So, it was a kick in the teeth to be told I couldn’t do it anymore.”

Craig’s military career was cut short by a wrist injury he sustained playing rugby for his regiment. The injury was initially missed. As Craig continued to work and exercise, it got worse until one day it completely gave way. Further tests revealed it had become a serious and complex break. After major reconstruction surgery, Craig was sent home to recover. Complications followed, and further operations were needed.

Craig severely injured his wrist playing rugby for his regiment and was medically discharged (Image: Help for Heroes) For 14 to 15 months, I was completely isolated at home. I barely spoke to my unit. I was forgotten,” Craig said. “Before the injury, I was a ‘can-do-anything invincible soldier.’ Afterwards, I couldn’t even do basic household or garden tasks. I felt useless, a burden to my wife. I was no longer invincible – I was broken.”

Despite his hope of returning to duty, Craig was sent to a medical board and discharged from service in November 2018.

“By the next morning, I wasn’t a soldier anymore. Just like that. When I handed back my kit, most people had moved on. Very few people in the squadron even knew who I was. I felt like I’d never existed,” he said. “The process made me feel isolated and unimportant after giving 15 good years to the Army.”

Being a soldier had been Craig's whole life. Suddenly he was left feeling isolated and forgotten (Image: Help for Heroes) Craig's experience is not unique. Every day, five people are medically discharged from the Armed Forces due to illness or injury*. Many, like Craig, struggle with the abrupt end of their military career and face the daunting task of adjusting to civilian life.

“I was given three months to prepare for discharge – most people leaving the military get 12 months. I was still receiving treatment, still in pain, and had no idea what came next,” Craig recalled. “It took months for my first Army pension payment to come through. Without my family, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I can see how so many veterans end up homeless.”

Help for Heroes has been a vital part of Craig’s recovery. The charity provided him with occupational health support, pain management advice, and a specially designed wrist splint. He also receives therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder through their Hidden Wounds service, which offers counselling and psychological support tailored to veterans and their families.

Craig is encouraging others facing similar challenges to seek support  (Image: Help for Heroes) Craig’s medical discharge was tough for his family too, especially his wife, Georgina. The couple have two young children together.  

“Craig’s discharge has been an emotional rollercoaster,” she said. “He lost the only job he ever wanted and his sense of identity. There was huge pressure on me to support him through the pain and provide for our family. The system must change to support families during these vulnerable times.”

Craig has since retrained as an electrical engineer but worries about the long-term impact of his injury. Now, he's encouraging others facing similar challenges to seek support.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he said. “Help for Heroes are always there when I need them, but it shouldn’t fall to charities to do what the military should be doing for its own.”

Together, we must fight for the peace our Armed Forces community deserves and end the Veterans War.  Visit: helpforheroes.org.uk

* MOD: Annual Medical Discharges in the UK Regular Armed Forces (2024)