The association between US Army enlistment waivers and subsequent behavioral and social health outcomes and attrition from service
Publication Status: Published
Sponsoring Organization: Army
Sponsoring Office: US Army Institute of Public Health
Congressionally Mandated: No
Funding Source: Army
Release Date/Publication: March 01, 2013
Principle Investigator Status: Government
Primary DoD Data Source: Other
Secondary DoD Data Source: Military Health System (MHS) Data Repository
Abstract
Soldiers granted enlistment waivers for medical concerns, misconduct, or positive alcohol/drug tests may or may not be associated with an increased likelihood of negative behavioral outcomes. Soldiers in the population examined (n = 8,943) who were granted enlistment waivers from 2003 to 2008 were significantly more likely to subsequently be screened for alcohol/substance abuse, test positive for illicit substances, or receive an Army separation for behavioral misconduct. These associations were highest among Soldiers granted waivers for nonlawful alcohol/drug violations. Soldiers granted waivers for felony offenses and serious nontraffic violations were significantly less likely to separate from the Army compared with Soldiers not granted enlistment waivers.
Citation:
Gallaway MS, Bell MR, Lagana-Riordan C, Fink DS, Meyer CE, Millikan AM. The association between US Army enlistment waivers and subsequent behavioral and social health outcomes and attrition from service. Mil Med. 2013 Mar;178(3):261-6.