It was hypothesized that Vietnam veterans with PTSD have not successfully accomplished the task of Erikson's 5th psychosocial stage of development, Identity versus identity diffusion. Indices of career maturity from the Kuder Occupational Interest Survey were lower than recommended for a career choice process to take place (Wigington, 1982). These Vietnam veterans (Patients of the VA Medical Center North Chicago) were administered the Crites Career Maturity Inventory. Their scores most closely approximated the average for children in the 7th and 8th grades who were 15-20 years younger than our clients. When compared to a norm group of high school seniors the average score of the veterans was in the 23rd percentile. It was suggested that these clients were vulnerable to the developmental shock of PTSD due to unsuccessful passage through earlier Eriksonian stages.