The Influence of Psychosocial Health on Military Performance: Fit for Service?
Abstract When considering military fitness, the focus must be on psychological and physiological ability and thus suitability for service, determinants which are themselves influenced by health. Health, especially in the military context, is the product of several factors (including psychosocial ones), as will be highlighted in the current study. The influence of psychosocial health and… Read more »
Hookworm in the Military
Abstract Soil-transmitted helminths such as hookworm are rarely a problem for military units unless they directly contact faecally contaminated soil during tropical operations. Localised epidemics incapacitating small infantry units have been recorded in the Solomon Islands and Bougainville during World War II and in Vietnam, Grenada and Sierra Leone more recently. Scattered hookworm infection cases… Read more »
Editorial – The 1991 Gulf War
Thirty-five years ago, 1872 Australians, including Australian Defence Force (ADF) health personnel, served in the Persian Gulf between August 1990 and the ceasefire in February 1991. While primarily a Royal Australian Navy task group, involving HMAS Adelaide, HMAS Darwin, HMAS Sydney, HMAS Brisbane, HMAS Success and HMAS Westralia in maritime interdiction, sanctions enforcement and replenishment… Read more »
More on the Staff of Asclepius
In a 2010 issue of ADF Health I wrote an article More on the Staff and Serpent of Asclepius (1) describing Asclepian medicine and the Asclepian Temples with a short description of the wooden staff and entwining serpent of Asclepius. At the time I had not found any information on the origin, symbolism or nature… Read more »
Supporting Australian Veterans Presenting with Cognitive Concerns
Introduction Veterans frequently present to general practitioners and non-GP medical specialists with concerns regarding mood, thinking, memory, cognition concerns and in some cases even self-diagnosed dementia Often, the underlying cause is unclear The differential diagnosis might include an undiagnosed mental health condition, a sleep disorder, impacts from alcohol or drug use, dementia, a degenerative neurological… Read more »
Editorial – The Nature and Character of War
Editorial As we enter 2026, consideration needs to be given to various conflicts and touchpoints around the globe, from Ukraine to South Sudan, Middle East to the South China Sea While the Australian Defence Force has not been drawn directly into these conflicts, there remains the potential for escalation, for which we all need to… Read more »
Health Effects of Sport and Volunteering in a Military Context
Abstract When considering military fitness, the focus must be on psychological and physiological ability, which are themselves influenced by health. Health itself is a product of several factors, as will be highlighted in the current study. To assess health and its implications in a military context, a questionnaire was administered to 555 participants during and… Read more »
Building Strength at Home: Addressing Domestic and Family Violence to Prevent Suicide in Australian Defence Communities
Introduction The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has drawn national attention to the urgent need to address suicide among serving and ex serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).1,2 The Commission report includes a series of important recommendations to reduce the prevalence of suicide, many of which are underway Nevertheless, one significant recommendation… Read more »
Relations Between Physical and Emotional Health and Psychological Stress in Trauma-Exposed Veterans with Emotional Disorders
Abstract Background: Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) is common, especially in veterans. There are psychological sequelae to PTE exposure, including stress and anxiety pathology, depressive symptoms, and PTSD. Identifying veterans at risk for elevated psychological distress following PTEs, as well as distress correlates, is critical to improving mental health screening efforts and minimising downstream… Read more »
Comparing Sense of Control between Veterans and Civilians using the Health and Retirement Study
ABSTRACT Background: Sense of control has been associated with age-related outcomes. Veterans may experience a reduced sense of control due to the sacrifices associated with military service—potentially contributing to increased health problems in this population. Purpose: This study seeks to understand how military service affects the sense of control in older veterans in the United… Read more »
Profiles of Transition: A Cross-sectional Survey of Factors Associated with Civilian Adjustment in Australian Veterans
Abstract Background: This study builds on prior research suggesting that demographics and attributes can better predict positive or negative experiences in the military-to-civilian transition. Purpose: We measured differences in self-reported experience of military-to-civilian transitions on a range of in-service and post-service variables suggested in the literature. Materials and methods: Drawing on a survey of Australian… Read more »
Military Healthcare Ethics —What is New?
Abstract This paper reviews the field of military healthcare ethics since the 2022 review paper published in this journal. NATO STANAG, AMedP-8.19 Military Healthcare Ethics, was published in June 2025. ‘Dual loyalty’ remains at the heart of ethical tensions for military health professionals (MHPs). Current wars in Ukraine and the Middle East challenge the value… Read more »
Periodontitis Cases Superimposed with Mental Health Problems among Military Personnel
Introduction Periodontal diseases affect up to 90% of the global population and have become the most common oral health condition worldwide.1 Periodontitis, one of the well-known periodontal diseases, was estimated at around 62% and severe periodontitis at 23.6% among dentate adults between 2011 and 2020.2 Research on the correlation between periodontal disease and mental health… Read more »
Canadian Armed Forces Suicide Risk and Protection over 16 years
Abstract Introduction: Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) soldiers and veterans face a higher suicide risk than the general population. However, differences between correlates of types of suicide expression, namely suicidal ideation (SI), suicide plans (SP) and suicide attempts (SA), have not been established. This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors for new-onset suicide behaviours… Read more »
Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Unit and European Air Transport Command—A Two-Year European Collaboration in the Field of Strategic Aeromedical Evacuation
Abstract Introduction: The Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Unit (MMU) consists of nine A330 MRTT aircraft based in Eindhoven and Cologne. One is utilised as an aeromedical evacuation (AE) asset on a 24-hour notice-to-move standby. Six European partners participate in the unit. The European Air Transport Command (EATC) is an integrated command of seven… Read more »
Catalogue of Research Investigating the Health of Australian Defence Force Personnel, 2002–2023
Abstract Background The Australian Department of Defence commissioned a scoping review and catalogue of research investigating the health of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, published between 2002 and 2023. Material and methods MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science databases were searched in April 2023 for peer-reviewed studies published… Read more »
Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Immunisation
Abstract: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a flavivirus infection transmitted by Ixodes ticks across Eurasia. Recently, rare indigenous cases of TBE have been reported in the United Kingdom, although most documented traveller infections come from Central Europe. Populations at risk are those undertaking forest activities in the summer, which include some Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel… Read more »
Alcohol and Malaria Recurrence
Abstract: Alcohol was widely believed to induce malaria recurrence in the early 20th century, but no physiological mechanism was recognised. Allied military units during World War II experienced vast numbers of malaria infections without any obvious reported overlap with alcohol ingestion. Historical and recent reports of malaria’s relationship to alcohol have been reviewed and found… Read more »
Social Support and the Military-to-Civilian Transition: A Scoping Review of Methodological Approaches and Measures
Introduction The military-to-civilian transition (MCT) is a significant life change for military personnel. Characterised as the process of leaving the military and returning to family, community and workplace roles,1 a successful transition is widely considered essential for supporting veterans’ wellbeing in civilian life.2 Globally, over 200 000 military personnel transition to civilian life each year.3 While… Read more »
Post-Rescue Deconfliction: Integrating the Tourniquet Traffic Light into Triage for Mass Casualty Surge Reduction
Abstract Evidence suggests that standard triage models are not adequate in threat-moderated settings like terrorist or intentional mass-violence events. Ten Second Triage offers an alternative triage model based on traumatic wounding patterns and immediate interventions for preventable causes of death, rather than physiological parameters. Over-triage may occur due to first responders’ low tolerance for tourniquet… Read more »
Psychological Assessment for Military Selection: Past, Present and Future Applications
Abstract Psychological assessments for selecting military personnel have played a crucial role in enhancing training effectiveness, ensuring job success and, where possible, reducing mental health casualties in war zones. This article traces the development of psychological assessment for military selection through the World Wars to modern-day procedures. Two main themes emerge from this analysis: firstly,… Read more »
Injuries, Physical Fitness, and Body Mass Index in a Population of U.S. Army Reserve Personnel
Abstract Introduction US Army Reserve personnel are expected to meet the same fitness and readiness standards as their Active Duty counterparts, but little is known about health factors among Reservists. This investigation presents data on injuries, fitness and body mass index (BMI) for Reservists participating in a new health and fitness program. Methods Twenty-one US… Read more »
Creative Engagement by Wounded, Injured or Ill Australian Defence Force Personnel
Abstract While there has long been an extensive range of medical, pharmaceutical, psychological, physiological, spiritual and physical programs available to ADF personnel seeking health assistance, allied health practices—particularly creative arts interventions—are still relatively new in the wellbeing context. The Australian Defence Force Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills Program (hereafter, ADF ARRTS) is an… Read more »
Musculoskeletal Injury and Physical Fitness Across US Army Occupational Specialties
Abstract Background: Military occupations are widely diverse, requiring specific skill sets and physical demand levels to accomplish their objectives. Purpose: To describe musculoskeletal injury and physical fitness across US Army military occupational specialties (MOS). Methods: Demographics, health behaviours and physical training data were obtained by electronic survey. Musculoskeletal injuries and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)… Read more »
Mauled by a Lion – How Spiritual Wounds and Injuries Present
Abstract The mauling that some veterans suffer as a result of issues such as shame, anger, self-abuse and depression are very real, lasting and painful aspects of their lives. For a Religious/Spiritual Practitioner (RSP), or indeed any treating practitioner, to make a meaningful contribution towards treating a Spiritual Wound and Injury (SW&I) they must determine… Read more »
Psychological Screening in the Australian Defence Force: An Historical and Contemporary Analysis of what Works
Abstract With a rapid and significant rise in psychological screening within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the past 20 years, ambiguity has developed between a psychological screen and a psychological assessment used for pre-employment and pre-deployment selection purposes. Additionally, confusion persists around what constitutes a mental health or psychology screen and when it should… Read more »
Should the Australian Defence Force Conduct a Drug Trial of Wakefulness-Promoting Medications?
Abstract Fatigue jeopardises soldiers’ lives, and despite caffeine being the approved wakefulness aid in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), its efficacy equals a placebo with unwanted side effects. The US Military uses modafinil as an alternative, but no ADF studies on modafinil exist. This article argues for exploring alternatives, ensuring consent and conducting willingness-to-participate studies… Read more »
Use of a Health Monitoring System During a US Military Exercise During the COVID-19 Pandemic (April 2021): Participant Characteristics, Demographics and Differences in Participation
Abstract Background: Because of the close working environment, military personnel are exposed to respiratory disease, often greater than the civilian sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2021), an Oracle short message service (SMS)–based, mobile phone, daily COVID-19 health monitoring system was employed to monitor and protect the health of military members participating in a large-scale,… Read more »
Dengue Epidemics During the Second World War in Queensland
Abstract: Although dengue became endemic in northern Australia in the 19th century, the enormous movement of people and material during World War II resulted in localised dengue epidemics in Queensland. Factors promoting the epidemics included mixing diverse civilian and military populations, including evacuees from tropical areas, and little focus on preventive measures until outbreaks occurred…. Read more »
Bipolar Disorder in the Australian Defence Force: Estimating Prevalence from Defence Electronic Health System Records
Abstract Background and purpose: This study aimed to establish the treated prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (BD) in serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in light of a 2018 study of mental disorders in the ADF and Veteran population that found a surprisingly high 12-month prevalence rate. Method: A retrospective review of the Defence… Read more »
Principles and applications of military leadership to improve civilian trauma medicine training
Abstract This article examines how the principles and applications of military leadership improve civilian trauma medicine training. Military leaders have been pivotal in driving the development and improvement of a multidisciplinary trauma care course, the Definitive Perioperative Nurse Trauma Course (DPNTC). The development of the DPNTC has benefited from leadership principles underpinned by the experiences… Read more »
John Keith Henderson: First Australian to Provide Dental Treatment to Troops on Active Service
Abstract The Royal Australian Army Dental Corps regards John Keith Henderson as the first Australian to provide dental treatment to troops on active service. At the time, he was a third-year dental student at the University of Sydney who had enlisted as a Private in the Australian Army Medical Corps at the outbreak of World… Read more »
Musculoskeletal surgery in Australian Defence Force trainees: Part 2 – risk factors and impact on deployability
Introduction The cost of recruiting and training a military trainee is substantial. In 1999, Rudzki and Cunningham estimated the cost of recruiting and training a new Australian Defence Force (ADF) member to be $A9000, with a net cost of $A14 245 if they were discharged after 10 weeks.1 This cost will be significantly higher in… Read more »
Prevention and management of urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in military women and female elite athletes
Abstract Background: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), encompassing urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence (AI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and various other conditions associated with pelvic floor muscles, is prevalent in military women and female elite athletes. Thus, it is important to consider specific prevention and management strategies that these women are currently using, and their safety… Read more »
General and Specific Benefits from the ADF ARRTS Program
Abstract The present study was part of an evaluation of the Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) program conducted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for wounded, injured and ill veterans as an adjunct to their established treatments. Two previous evaluations, one using categorical judgments and one using standardised rating scales, yielded evidence… Read more »
Longitudinal Change Resulting from the ADF’s Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills (ARRTS) Program
T J Watt, E James Kehoe Abstract Arts-based activities are increasingly being offered to current and former military members as an adjunct to their established therapeutic interventions. Individuals who undertake arts-based activities have shown reductions in both anxiety and depressive symptoms. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms engaged by these activities or the… Read more »
Pelvic Floor Health in Female Military Personnel: A Narrative Review
S O’Shea, R Pope, R Orr, K Freire Abstract Background: A growing female workforce within military forces internationally necessitates comprehensive consideration of this population’s unique health requirements within a wide range of military contexts. Pelvic floor health is a key area where support needs vary between sexes because of differences in pelvic anatomy and… Read more »
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Killing in Combat: A Review of Existing Literature
Abstract Background: Killing during combat is a unique experience and, for the majority, is limited to military service. For those working with military and veteran populations, it is essential to be able to understand this experience and any psychological ramifications. Purpose: This review provides a synthesis of existing literature, addressing the specific question: what is… Read more »
Infection Prevention and Control Practices in the Deployed Military Field Hospital: AN integrative review
J Skipp, P Zimmerman, T Van de Mortel Abstract Background: Advances in personal protective equipment, tactical combat casualty care training and improved technologies have led to the increased survival of those injured during combat. However, infection remains a significant complication in combat-related injuries, from initial wound contamination to infections acquired in various treatment facilities. Purpose:… Read more »
The Effects of Depression on Success in Male Soldiers Sexually Transmitted Disease and Reproductive Health Education
Abstract Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of depression on education regarding sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive and sexual health. Methods: The study was conducted in 98 healthy private soldiers. Sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. The participants filled out the ‘reproductive health knowledge evaluation form’ (RHKEF) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before… Read more »
2025 AMMA Conference
