After the Wars: Survey of Iraq and Afghanistan Active Duty Soldiers and Veterans

This partnership poll from The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation explores the views and experiences of adults who served in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars as members of the U.S. military in the period after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The majority of veterans of these conflicts say that Americans appreciate their service and that gestures of support are genuine, but many report a number of challenges, including economic struggles, worse physical and mental health than prior to their engagement, and feeling disconnected from civilian life. The survey also includes findings on attitudes towards the government and the military, views on women serving in combat roles, and insight into the physical and mental toll the war has taken on these soldiers. This survey is the 27th in a series of surveys dating back to 1995 that have been conducted as part of The Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation Survey Project. Read The Washington Post’s reporting, graphics and videography which amplify the survey results, and give voice to our soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan can be viewed here.