Factors associated with discharge during marine corps basic training

Abstract

This prospective study assessed risk factors for discharge from basic training (BT) among 2,137 male Marine Corps recruits between February and April 2003. Physical and demographic characteristics, exercise, and previous lower extremity injuries before arrival at Marine Corps Recruit Depot were assessed by questionnaire during intake processing. Stress fractures were confirmed by x-ray, triple-phase bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, 223 (10.4%) participants were discharged from training. In addition to the occurrence of a stress fracture during BT, older age (>23 years), non-Hispanic race, poor incoming self-rated physical fitness, no history of competitive exercise, and an incoming lower extremity injury with incomplete recovery were independent risk factors for discharge. Strategies to identify and allow the proper healing time for pre-BT lower extremity injuries, including interventions to improve the physical fitness of recruits before BT and reduce stress fractures during BT, may be indicated to lower attrition. Reprint & Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2007.