Trends in new U.S. Marine Corps accessions during the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan

The objective of this study was to analyze trends in preservice characteristics among Marine Corps recruits during the recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recruits completed a confidential survey during their first week of training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Demographics, behaviors, and health information were analyzed for trends from 2001 to 2010 using the Cochran-Armitage trend test and F statistic. Data from 131,961 male recruits with a mean age of 19.8 years were analyzed. Overall, entry characteristics remained stable exhibiting only modest changes over the study period. Favorable trends included recent (2009-2010) improvements in body mass index and physical activity levels. Unfavorable trends included increases in smokeless tobacco and caffeine use, and angry outbursts. Although many recruit characteristics remained similar over the past decade, both favorable and unfavorable trends in sociobehavioral characteristics were noted. The ongoing assessment of preservice characteristics is important for detecting emerging trends over time. Findings may guide leadership's understanding of changes to help develop early-service trainings promoting a healthier force and potentially reducing future adverse outcomes.