Update: Heat injuries, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2012

In 2012, there were more active component service members treated for heat stroke (n=365) than in 2011 but fewer than in 2008 or 2009. Compared to their respective counterparts, incidence rates of heat stroke were higher among males, those younger than 20 years of age, Marine Corps and Army members, recruit trainees, and service members in combat-specific occupations. Fewer service members were treated for "other heat injuries" in 2012 (n=2,257) than in 2010 or 2011; also, there were fewer hospitalizations for "other heat injuries" in 2012 than in any of the prior four years. The incidence rate of "other heat injuries" was higher among females than males, more than 8 times higher among recruit trainees than other enlisted members, and 20 times higher among recruit trainees than officers. From 2008 to 2012, 1,060 heat injury events occurred in Iraq/Afghanistan; 6.5 percent (n=69) were due to heat stroke.