A man with sunglasses and a beard stands on a city sidewalk, making a hand gesture with both hands. He is dressed in a blue vest, white shirt, red tie, and brown shoes. There are cars and pedestrians in the background, with a theater marquee advertising 'Six' and various signs.

John Coates is a United States Army veteran and the founder of AfterTheFormation.com.

He joined the Army in June of 2000 and retired in November of 2023. Over his career he served in every leadership position from team leader to 1SG, with three deployments to Iraq and two deployments to Afghanistan.

He lives with extreme PTSD. AfterTheFormation.com was born from that experience and from seeing how little is said about what happens after. The site is dedicated to bringing awareness to the second and third order effects of trauma on family and community, and to ensuring veterans do not have to navigate life after the formation alone.

He is a father and a veteran learning to navigate life on the other side.

STILL IN THE FORMATION - THIS SPACE IS FOR YOU TOO

This platform is also for soldiers who are still serving.

You are still in the formation, but that does not mean you are without struggle. AfterTheFormation.com provides a safe, respectful space where active duty service members can voice honest opinions about the current state of the military and the challenges you face while still serving.

AfterTheFormation.com is not medical or legal advice. It is lived experience, shared respectfully, veteran to veteran.

Dream it

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Dream it 〰️

John Coates

Founder, AfterTheFormation.com

What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.

What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.