First-Term Outcomes Associated With Lower Extremity Injury in Female Marine Corps Recruits: A Historical Prospective Study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (MSI) and of stress fracture (SFX) during recruit training on first-term enlistment (4-yr) hospitalizations and attrition of female Marine Corps recruits. The Naval Health Research Center studied 2,715 female recruit graduates between 1995 and 1999 and evaluated their first-term attrition. No differences by MSI status were seen in hospitalizations, however several differences were found for attrition. Women who graduated after incurring training MSI and especially SFX were less likely to complete their first-term enlistment. Because 44% of the women who graduated had incurred a lower extremity MSI during training, this could significantly affect military readiness. The effect is even stronger among female graduates who had SFX during training. Women who graduated after incurring training MSI and especially SFX were less likely to be promoted to corporal during the first-term enlistment. Women who incurred training MST were less likely to re-enlist; however, the effect of SFX was not statistically significant. Too many first-term separations can impact the operational readiness of the Fleet Marine Force. The need for the Fleet to write instructions suggesting injury prevention guidelines during the accession pathway may be warranted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA429485
Entities
People
- Daniel W. Trone
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center