Military Voices Initiative: Great Questions

Download (PDF): Suggested Questions for Interviewing Veterans and their Families

When were you drafted or when did you enlist?
What do you remember about the day you enlisted?
How did you tell your family and friends that you were joining the military? Are there any conversations that stand out from that time?
If you enlisted, what were some of the reasons that you joined the military? How did you choose your branch of service?
How did you imagine military life before you joined? How did your perceptions change after serving?
What was basic training like?
Can you describe a funny moment from boot camp?
What are some of the things you remember about adapting to military life?

Where did you serve during the war?
If you deployed overseas, how did you tell your loved ones you were being deployed?
How did you stay in touch with family and friends back home?
What are some things you remember most about your deployment?
If you saw multiple deployments, how did they differ from each other? How did you change?
Can you describe how you felt coming home from combat?
Was there anything you especially missed about civilian life?

Is there someone you served with that you remember fondly? Can you tell me about him/her?
What are some fun things you and your friends did together while you were deployed?
Did any of your military friends play pranks on each other? Can you describe a funny one?
Did you ever get caught breaking any rules? Did you ever get away with something you weren’t supposed to do?
Did you ever learn something about a fellow service member that surprised you?
When did you leave the military? What was that process like?
What were your first few months out of the service like?
Was there anything or anyone that helped you during the transition from military to civilian life?
Do you have advice for others transitioning out of the military?
How do you think your time in the military affected you?
What did you learn about yourself?
What are some of your hopes for the future?
What phrase or word will never be the same now that you served?
When you were first discharged, what are some things about civilians that were difficult for you to deal with?
Is there anything you wish civilians understood about military service?
What are some habits you developed in the service that you like? What are some that you dislike?
What are some things you miss about being in the service? What are some you are glad to have left behind?

How did you meet your husband/wife/partner?
What was your first impression of him/her/them?
How did you know that he/she/they was right for you?
What were some the best time in your relationship?
What were some of the difficult times? How did you deal with them?
What has been difficult to communicate to family and friends about your
military service?
Do you have advice for other military couples?
If you have children, what do you want them to know about your military
service?