The Long Game
How Veterans Rebuild Identity, Community, and Purpose After Service
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and build your civilian life with the same discipline that built your military career.
The Long Game
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
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About This Topic
A guide to the long-term work of veteran identity transition — what happens when the mission ends, the uniform comes off, and the structure of military life disappears. Covers rebuilding a sense of purpose, finding community outside the military, redefining identity beyond rank and role, and the psychological work of becoming a civilian.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from The Long Game:
Who This Is For
- Veterans struggling with identity after leaving service
- Veterans who have been out for years and still feel disconnected
- Veterans looking for purpose and community outside the military
- Anyone doing the long-term work of becoming a civilian
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 12 files in one zip · 0.1 MB
Companion Toolkit
12 files for The Long Game — Organized by where you are in the transition.
Assessment & Preparation
2 files
Career & Employment
3 files
Financial Planning
3 files
Financial Stability Toolkit
XLSXBuild financial stability in the first year with budget, savings, and debt tools
10 KB
VA Benefits Income Guide
DOCXGuide to VA benefits as long-term income and how they interact with civilian earnings
10 KB
Community & Connection
1 file
Identity & Growth
1 file
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, templates, and planning tools — open them, fill in your information, and use them as you build your civilian life. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and calculators — they include real formulas that do the math for you. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.