Association between number of deployments to Iraq and mental health screening outcomes in US Army soldiers.

Objective: High rates of mental health concerns have been documented in US Army soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The goal of this study was to compare the postdeployment mental health screening results of US Army soldiers with 1 or 2 deployments to Iraq.

Method: Routine mental health screening data collected from September 7, 2005, to April 27, 2007, in the Soldier Wellness Assessment Program were compared between soldiers evaluated after their first or second deployment to Iraq (n=1322).

History and implementation of the Fort Lewis Soldier Wellness Assessment Program (SWAP).

The Department of Defense mandates a health reassessment at 90 to 180 days following return from deployment. Essential components include a review of mental and physical health symptoms and follow-up referral. Fort Lewis developed a program that exceeds these basic requirements to provide additional screening and on-site services, including face-to-face visits with a credentialed mental health provider for all soldiers.