The interaction between military education and health: a survey among conscripts undergoing officer training in Norway

An increasing number of soldiers are unable to finish their military training because of health problems. In the summer of 1999, 236 (96%) of 246 officer training school applicants in Harstad, Northern Norway, were enrolled in the survey. Those selected for military education estimated their physical condition better (p < 0.02), participated in athletic sport more frequently (p < 0.05), and smoked four times less (p < 0.001) than those who were dismissed. Thirty-nine percent of those accepted for further military education went to see the doctor during the 3-week introductory period compared with 20% among those who were dismissed (p < 0.002). The overall consultation rate in the introductory period was 52.5 per 100 cadet months. During the rest of the education, the consultation rate dropped significantly to 43.1 (p < 0.02). The magnitude of health-related problems during military education is a concern from a medical point of view and can, at least in part, be attributed to the level of physical activity of the military education.