Demobilization

The United Nations defines demobilization as "a multifaceted process that officially certifies an individual's change of status from being a member of a military grouping of some kind to being a civilian".[1] Persons undergoing demobilization are removed from the command and control of their armed force and group and the transformation from a military mindset to that of a civilian begins.To prevent soldiers from rejoining their armed groups, important preparatory work must be done to ensure that combatants are ready to be reintegrated into society and capable of returning to their civilian lives.In the final days of World War II, for example, the United States Armed Forces developed a demobilization plan which would discharge soldiers on the basis of a point system that favored length and certain types of service.[3] The phrase demob happy refers to demobilization and is broadly applied to the feeling of relief at imminent release from a time-serving burden, such as a career.
Demob papers issued to a South African sailor in February 1946
Back page of demob papers issued to a South African sailor in February 1946
Residents greeting demobilized soldiers of the Red Army in Minsk, July 1945
Demob (disambiguation)Demobbed (disambiguation)Demob Happyspelling differencesarmed forcesmobilizationdemilitarizationUnited NationsciviliandisarmamentreintegrationWorld War IIUnited States Armed ForcesdemobilizedRussian languagesenioritisUnited Nations Peacekeepingprofessional divingDemobilisation of the British Armed Forces after the Second World WarDemobilization of United States armed forces after World War IIDemob suitDisarmament, demobilization and reintegrationMilitary dischargeSocial history of soldiers and veterans in the United StatesAlan Allportmilitary