RESUMO
We used a medical readiness model of health assessment based on the Neuman systems model, a comparative-descriptive design, to assess the health or state of well-being of Air Combat Command medical personnel. Group I consisted of 636 personnel actively participating in medical readiness training, and group II consisted of 127 personnel assigned to a medical treatment facility that recently returned from overseas deployment. In group I, statistically significant differences in developmental, psychological, and sociocultural elements of health varied according to military rank, mobility status, or previous overseas deployment experience. The spiritual element of health differed statistically in both groups according to military rank. The uncertainties of mobility status, lack of previous deployment experience, and contrasts in military rank increased stress. Recommendations include realistic mobility training concentrating on essential job performance elements, leadership providing clear and open channels of communication, and dealing effectively with the emotional impact of humanitarian assistance missions.
