@article{ref1,
title="The relationship between deployment frequency and cumulative duration, and discharge for disability retirement among enlisted active duty soldiers and marines",
journal="Military medicine",
year="2016",
author="Connor, Ricardford R. and Boivin, Michael R. and Packnett, Elizabeth R. and Toolin, Christine F. and Cowan, David N.",
volume="181",
number="11",
pages="e1532-e1539",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The frequency and duration of deployments associated with increased morbidity is a significant concern for force health protection within the military population. Understanding the association between deployment and disability may provide a clearer understanding of factors adversely affecting U.S. military force readiness. <br><br>METHODS: A case-control analysis was conducted using records on enlisted active duty personnel in the Army and Marine Corps who were evaluated for a musculoskeletal disability and received a final disability disposition between FY 2003 and 2012. The study compared deployment, deployment frequency, and total time deployed in personnel who received musculoskeletal disability retirement to those with a musculoskeletal disability discharge other than retirement. <br><br>RESULTS: For females and males in either service, any deployment was associated with an increased risk of disability retirement (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] [95% confidence intervals (CI)]: males 1.76 [1.65-1.87]; females 1.41 [1.21-1.64]). Furthermore, increasing number of deployments (3+ deployments males aOR [95% CI]: 2.21 [1.92-2.53]) and time spent deployed (24+ months Army Males aOR [95% CI]: 2.07 [1.79-2.40]) significantly increased the odds for disability retirement. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Increasing frequency and duration of military deployments has an increased risk of disability retirement in service members with a musculoskeletal disability. Further research on this relationship is needed in a more representative sample of the U.S. military population.<br><br>Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0026-4075",
doi="10.7205/MILMED-D-16-00016",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-16-00016"
}