Helping those who serve: Care of the young adult veteran

The United States military is a unique organization that relies on young adults and requires culturally competent providers who recognize the needs of those with military experience. Four unique scenarios that a civilian provider may encounter illustrate additional considerations when caring for young adults in the military. A young man home between combat tours of duty, a reservist who needs a physical, a college student in the officer training program, and a veteran with a simple complaint highlight the possible presentations to nonmilitary physicians. The following resources offer tools to manage this distinctive population.