Over the past 13 years, more than two million United States military service members have been deployed to combat operations overseas, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to over 6,000 deaths and several thousand combat injuries, several hundred thousand service members (and their families) continue to struggle with deployment-related readjustment and medical and mental health challenges. These recent operations and their sequelae are a reminder of the longstanding issues faced by military service members, veterans, and their families in the United States and worldwide from previous wars, in addition to newly returning veterans who present new challenges in healing the wounds associated with modern warfare. The recent conflicts have also inspired significant efforts to develop new knowledge regarding treatment approaches and new systems of prevention and care delivery that are better suited to effectively support service members and their families. However, more research, infrastructure changes, and resources are required to meet current and future needs.
U02/2016