Behavioral scientists working with military and veteran populations are able to symptomatically describe the adjustment problems exhibited by these individuals. There is some dispute, however, as to the cause of the maladaptive behaviors and why they occur in some people and not others who shared the same or similar military experiences. This paper presents evidence that suggests that adjustment problems are more related to pre-service maladaptive behaviors than to military experiences. Several investigative research projects by the author support this concept that there is a strong relationship between pre-service maladaptive behaviors, in-service adaptive problems, and post-service adjustment. Biographic and demographic data gathered on successful and unsuccessful soldiers and veterans were examined. Analysis of the variables indicated that those soldiers and veterans who experienced educational, vocational, or social adjustment problems were the same individuals who reported adjustment difficulties during their service tours and also prior to entering active duty. The data available to date seems to support the theory that adjustment problems are more related to pre-service maladaptive behavior patterns than military experiences. (Author)