Chad Beall (1992-) enlisted the United States Navy in 2013 and served as a Boatswain’s Mate aboard the USS Rodney M. Davisand USS Mahan. Although he enjoyed his time in the Navy, Chad chose to separate in 2017 when he was unable to retain his rate or find another that suited him. Chad describes the lack of assistance available to him during the separation process, as well as his struggle to adapt to civilian life and find employment. Despite these hardships, Chad explains that he would choose to serve again because his service taught him valuable professional skills and prepared him for life after the military. He clarifies, however, that he does not believe the military is suitable for every individual and that prospective enlistees should consider their options before joining.
Project Goals
The Veterans Empathy Project is an ongoing work in oral history focused on the military experience among U.S. soldiers and marines in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Its purpose is to bridge the gap in the United States today between veterans of foreign wars and civilians who never served in the military. Designed for scholarly research, it's meant to round out public understanding of military obligation today, in the past, and near future.
