Epidemiology of Medical Discharge in the New Zealand Defence Force

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for medical discharge from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Additionally it sought to establish research priorities for reducing training attrition and improving retention, selection standards and overall health and wellbeing of military personnel. Methods: A retrospective review of medical files and work force personnel data of all service members discharged under a medical release category between January 2006 and January 2013. A comparison was made between the reason for release, demographic and service for those medically discharged. Results: In total, 402 Regular Force members were medically discharged between the 1st of January 2006 and the 1st of January 2013. Of these, nearly half did so for musculoskeletal injury and disease and 19% for mental illness and behavioural disorders. Many were discharged with a condition or predisposition held prior to service. Females we found to be at significantly higher risk of discharge in comparison to male counterparts. Conclusions and implications: This is the first study which describes with sufficient data the epidemiology of medical discharge in the NZDF. Rates of discharge are similar to those observed in other militaries but highlight opportunities to improve relevant selection and training policies.