Four-year prospective study of military trainees returned to duty following a mental health evaluation

The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term outcome for military trainees referred for a mental health evaluation during basic training. Participants were 261 Air Force basic trainees seen for a mental health evaluation during January through October 1997 and returned to duty. Frequency and type of discharge from the military were documented for participants during a 4-year follow-up period. The results showed that two-thirds of the study sample failed to complete their obligated tour of duty. Most discharges occurred within a 100-day period from the time of the evaluation. Common discharge types were physical condition interfering with performance of duty, entry-level performance and conduct, fraudulent entry, and character or behavior disorder. Implications of the findings for mental health providers working in a military training environment are discussed.