Effect of deployment on health beahviours in Military Forces

Deployment with combat exposure was the most significant factor affecting health behaviours of military

personnel.

Excessive drinking among US military personnel increased significantly in those deployed that were exposed to

combat, especially among Reserve and National Guard members and in the youngest age groups, but was not

affected by deployment without combat exposure. Among British military personnel, total alcohol consumption

increased with time, was higher for those deployed compared to non-deployed, and highest in those who

experienced war related stress.