Soldiers are exposed to extreme conditions during times of war that can have significant impacts on their physical and mental health. The demands of military service, the sights and sounds of combat, and the stress of deployment can all take a major toll. Understanding the health conditions faced by soldiers is crucial to providing proper care and support.
Physical Injuries
One of the most visible consequences of military service is physical injury. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, over 1,600 service members suffered amputations from battle injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2018. Explosions are a major cause of injury, leading to traumatic or surgical amputations of limbs. Another 60,000 service members were injured by non-mortal gunshot or rocket-propelled grenade blasts that did not result in amputation.
Beyond extremity injuries, military service also takes a toll on the back, knees, hearing, and other parts of the body. A study found that 75% of non-deployed service members experience regular back pain, often from carrying heavy packs, armor, and equipment. Musculoskeletal injuries are common due to intense physical training and demanding tasks. Hearing loss and tinnitus are also frequent due to repeated exposure to loud noise from aircraft, engines, and weapon systems.
Mental Health Conditions
The mental health effects of military service may not always be visible, but they significantly impact many who serve. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 30% of Vietnam War veterans, 10-20% of Gulf War veterans, and 11-20% of veterans of the war in Afghanistan have experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition involves flashbacks, severe anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms that impair daily functioning.
Other mental health conditions are also a concern among service members and veterans. A massive study by the Millennium Cohort found that one third of participants met criteria for one or more mental health issues, most commonly depression, intermittent explosive disorder, and alcohol misuse. Another study found that veterans’ suicide risk is 21% higher compared to the general population.
Why Mental Health Issues Develop
Military service members face a variety of experiences that can contribute to mental health problems like PTSD, anxiety, and depression:
- Trauma from combat violence, such as hearing explosions, seeing death/injury, and feeling in danger
- Long periods of hypervigilance, being on high alert for threats
- Separation from family and lack of social support
- Moral injury from witnessing or being involved in acts that violate one’s values
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion during operations
- Traumatic Brain Injury from blasts, accidents and collisions
These intense stressors affect mood, cognition, and functioning in ways that can persist long after leaving the battlefield. Understanding the root causes of mental health issues can lead to better screening, treatment, and prevention.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases have posed a significant threat throughout military history. Soldiers live and work in close quarters, increasing risk of illness. Deployment to new global regions also exposes service members to unfamiliar diseases not present at home.
During the Civil War, over two thirds of all soldier deaths were from infectious disease rather than combat injury. Illnesses included dysentery, typhoid, malaria, and tuberculosis. In more recent conflicts, malaria was a major health issue during Vietnam and WWII Pacific operations. The Gulf War and Iraq War saw cases of leishmaniasis and bacterial diarrhea like shigella among service members.
The highly mobile nature of the military combined with interacting with local populations facilitates the spread of novel diseases. Preventive medicine, sanitation improvements, and disease surveillance help reduce this threat. But pathogens will likely remain an occupational health hazard among soldiers.
Long-Term Health Effects
In addition to immediate injury and illness, military service can affect a soldier’s health for decades to come. The challenging environments and toxic exposures encountered while deployed can lead to chronic conditions after returning home.
Studies have identified a link between combat service and increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke later in life. Chemical exposures are also concerning – veterans who came in contact with Agent Orange during Vietnam showed higher rates of cancer, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from repeated blasts and head injuries can have lasting cognitive and functional impacts. And the mental health issues discussed earlier may persist and require ongoing treatment. Providing preventive healthcare and disability compensation is essential to help soldiers manage lasting health effects.
Key Takeaways
Military service exacts a toll on soldiers’ health and wellbeing in diverse ways. Key takeaways include:
- Physical injuries from combat and training are common, especially extremity, back, and hearing injuries.
- Mental health issues including PTSD, depression, and anxiety impact many service members.
- Infectious diseases remain an occupational hazard while deployed overseas.
- Lasting health effects can stem from injuries, chemical exposures, and mental trauma during service.
- Understanding soldier health helps guide policy and resources for care, screening, prevention, and disability compensation.
Support Resources for Soldiers
Because of the diverse health effects of military service, a range of resources are needed to support soldiers’ physical and mental wellbeing. Some options include:
VA Health Care
The Veterans Health Administration operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system, providing care to over 9 million enrolled veterans each year. VA medical centers and clinics offer primary care, specialized treatment, mental health services, and more.
Wounded Warrior Project
This nonprofit offers programs focused on mental health treatment, career counseling, benefits assistance, adaptive sports, and community engagement for wounded post-9/11 veterans.
Transition Assistance Program
Soldiers leaving the military attend this joint Department of Defense/VA program to learn about healthcare, education benefits, financial planning, and adjusting to civilian life.
Vet Centers
These VA community facilities across the U.S. provide individual and group counseling for veterans and families, specializing in PTSD and the effects of combat on mental health.
Defense Centers of Excellence
This Department of Defense organization promotes resilience, suicide prevention, substance abuse reduction, and treatment of TBI, depression, and PTSD.
Conclusion
Military service requires courage and sacrifice, but it also carries risks to physical and mental health. From combat injuries to invisible trauma, many soldiers face a multitude of health challenges during and after their time in uniform. Understanding these risks better positions the military, government, and society to return the debt owed to those who serve.