DivARC, Combat Veterans, and the Mission of Citizen Science

Transitioning to civilian life after military service, a process known as veteran reintegration, can be stressful and have adverse effects on the mental health of returning veterans. The limitations of traditional medical and civilian support structures can leave many individuals feeling isolated once back home. Moreover, opportunities to engage in meaningful activities with a community of trusted peers are often lacking. Bright spots are emerging though, in the form of cooperative roles of service. Many veterans are rediscovering a sense of purpose by engaging in missions of community action and citizen science. This chapter examines the beginnings of the Diver-Archaeological Reconnaissance Cooperative (DivARC), a program that envisions bringing veterans and civilians together to document and preserve maritime heritage and cultural resources. Further, it discusses how cooperative engagement in a variety of meaningful shared missions can benefit veteran and civilian participants alike.