Citation

Schmied EA, Highfill-McRoy RM, Larson GE. Mil. Med. 2012; 177(7): 766-772.

Affiliation

Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22808881

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the rates of mental disorders between Marines who re-enlisted and Marines who separated after 1 term, distinguishing between Marines who were and were not recommended for re-enlistment. METHODS: Participants included 28,693 male Marines enlisting for 4-year terms between 2002 and 2003, including 9,338 who re-enlisted after 1 term, 18,177 who voluntarily separated after 1 term, and 1,184 who were not recommended for re-enlistment and separated after 1 term. RESULTS: Analysis revealed disproportionately high rates of mental disorders among Marines not recommended for re-enlistment (Odds Ratio = 8.5, 95% Confidence Interval 7.5-9.8) compared with Marines who re-enlisted. Mental disorder prevalence was also elevated among service members who voluntarily separated after 1 term (Odds Ratio = 1.2, 95% Confidence Interval 1.1-1.3). Several specific categories of disorders, including personality disorders, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, predicted re-enlistment status. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that mental disorders influence personnel retention in diverse ways, including heightened turnover, which could have a substantial impact on military manpower costs.

Language: en