Objectives. We assessed the effects of prior military service in Iraq or Afghanistan on the health of New Jersey Army National Guard members preparing for deployment to Iraq. Methods.
New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers who were preparing for deployment to Iraq completed surveys to assess the effects of prior military service in OEF/OIF on their mental and physical health.
Military deployment poses many risks for cognitive functioning. When deployed individuals are compared to a nondeployed control group, there is some evidence that deployment may be associated with declines in cognitive functioning.
Active Duty Service members without traumatic brain injuries (TBI) were evaluated before and following deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan to evaluate the possibility of an association between deployment and measurable changes in cognitive functioning.