ABSTRACT
In Spring 2020, the New York Army and Air National Guard (NYNG) rapidly deployed to New York City (NYC) to assist in the recovery, processing, and transport of COVID-19 decedents. This study reports on a survey conducted by NYNG service members three to six months post-mission (n = 177). Data showed that there was a dose–response relationship between mission stress exposure and decremented mental health, but certain activities were associated with better mental health outcomes. The paper also reviews resources provided by behavioral health personnel to support service members during the mission and lessons learned to inform future decedent recovery missions. © 2023 Division 19 (Society for Military Psychology) of the American Psychological Association.
ABSTRACT
The attrition of service members is a costly concern for the U.S. military and can lead to reduced readiness. While there have been studies identifying reasons for attrition, little is known about the relationship between perceived barriers to behavioral health care and attrition. A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of a behavioral health epidemiological consultation at a U.S. Army division (n=5,842) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Odds of intending to leave the Army increased by 6% for each additional perceived barrier to behavioral health care. Soldiers' concerns about the potential negative impacts on their careers or work environments were the most frequently cited barriers to behavioral health care.