Occupational stress and the outcome of basic military training

Background: Military training has a high dropout rate but the role of occupational stress is not known. Aims: To examine the relationship between occupational stress and outcome of training.Methods A study of occupational stress in 476 army recruits (as measured in Week 4 of 23 weeks of basic military training) using previously identified risk factors for lack of success in training and outcome of training. Results: Using stepwise logistic regression, occupational stress levels as measured at Week 4 were significant predictors of outcome in training. Psychological scale scores predicted 85% of those who were asked to leave. Other factors previously thought to be predictive of outcome of training were not predictive in this cohort of recruits. Conclusions: Levels of occupational stress measured 4 weeks into training predicted outcome of training. © Crown copyright 2011.