The Air Force Deployment Transition Center: Assessment of Program Structure, Process, and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Military Psychology
• Posttraumatic Stress Management
• Behavioral Health Interventions

Background:

• Military personnel returning from combat zones often require a decompression period.
• The U.S. Air Force established the Deployment Transition Center (DTC) to provide this support.
• The DTC aims to help airmen decompress and share experiences before returning home.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the structure, processes, and outcomes of the DTC program.
• To determine if the DTC program effectively reduces posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, binge drinking, and social conflicts.
• To assess the program's alignment with its intended goals.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of DTC participants and non-participants.
• Evaluation of program structure and processes.
• Assessment of behavioral health and social conflict outcomes.

Main Results:

• Most participants found the DTC program worthwhile.
• No evidence was found that the DTC program reduced PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, binge drinking, or social conflicts.
• One DTC element resembles posttraumatic debriefing, which can be ineffective or harmful.

Conclusions:

• The DTC program, if aimed at improving behavioral health, should be discontinued or redesigned.
• Resources could be better invested in alternative programs.
• If the DTC has other goals (e.g., rest, after-action review), these need clear documentation and tailoring.