Combat Exposure Factors Associated With the Likelihood of Behavioral and Psychiatric Issues

The objective was to evaluate correlated combat exposure factors among active-duty combat veterans deployed to Afghanistan and then determine how these factors are associated with behavioral and psychiatric issues postdeployment. Active-duty soldiers from one brigade combat team (N = 1,739) were surveyed to assess their most recent combat exposures and behavioral outcomes. Combat exposures were factor analyzed and included in a larger structural equation model. Three factors emerged from the analysis: some combat exposures (e.g., “active exposure”) are protective of screening positive for post-traumatic stress, while others (“passive exposure” and “exposure invoking emotion”) are predictive of screening positive for post-traumatic stress. These varying relationships should be considered during implementation of intervention and treatment of redeploying soldiers.