Background In the UK, the prevalence of alcohol-related dependence is significantly higher in people in the armed forces than in the general population.

Aim To explore the experiences of alcohol use by former military personnel with a record of active service.

Method An interpretivist approach was used to provide an insight into the lives of eight military personnel who had returned to civilian life. They were interviewed by a researcher over the internet, interviews were transcribed verbatim and data analysed.

Findings Five themes emerged from the data: cultural normalisation, enculturation in military life, integrated mental health, integration and post-military life. Findings were consistent with the published literature exploring increased predisposition to mental health problems by male veterans of lower rank compared with higher rank counterparts.

Conclusion On leaving active service, military veterans ought to be provided with greater and ongoing support with any mental health issues they may experience because of their military service.