Causes of death among U.S. military personnel: A 14-year summary, 1980-1993

Abstract

Data extracted from the Report of Casually (DD Form 1300) of the Department of Defense's Worldwide Casualty System were used to describe the 27,070 deaths among active duty personnel for the 14-year period 1980 through 1993. Ninety-five percent of all military deaths occurred among males and 84% among enlisted personnel. Unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death among both males (61%) and females (52%). Diseases accounted for about 20% of all deaths and represented the second most significant cause of death for both male and female service personnel. Suicide was the third leading major cause of death among males (13%), followed by homicide (5%); among females this order was reversed, with homicide (14%) exceeding suicide (12%). About 2% of all deaths resulted from combat. The findings presented here are useful in identifying cause-specific high-risk groups in each of the four service branches and directing appropriate prevention strategies.