Deployment Cycle Effects on the Psychological Screening of Soldiers
Abstract
Psychological screening began as part of the Joint Medical Surveillance Program for U.S. soldiers just prior to their completing their deployment to Bosnia. Since that time, soldiers have been screened across the deployment cycle: in garrison, as they prepare to deploy, at redeployment just prior to return, and at post-deployment several months later. The screening has also expanded to include deployments to Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo. Data from these various screening programs were compared using results from almost 12,000 soldiers from one division based in Germany between February, 1996, and June, 2000. Across these various screening programs, the procedures remained relatively constant. Military personnel completed a primary psychological screening survey designed to measure post-traumatic stress, depression, and alcohol abuse symptoms. If scores on one of the scales exceeded established criteria, a mental health member conducted a brief on-site interview to determine the soldier's referral need. Overall rates of exceeding primary screen criteria depended on when the screening occurred during the deployment cycle. Specifically, soldiers in garrison and preparing for deployment reported higher rates of distress than soldiers returning from deployment. The emerging model suggests that prevention and education efforts be concentrated on garrison and pre-deployment soldiers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA388337
Entities
People
- Amy B Adler
- Ann H. Huffman
- Carl A. Castro
- Jeffrey L. Thomas
- Kathleen M. Wright