Sex differences in early release from the military: Results from a 16-year follow-up study in Canada

Introduction: Despite the increasing participation of women in the military, there has been limited exploration of sex- and gender-specific considerations in early release scenarios. This study aims to understand the sex-specific factors associated with early release from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and understand the prevalence, risk correlates, and protective factors involved using a nationally representative, 16-year follow-up survey of active duty CAF members. Methods: The 2018 CAF Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey was a 16-year follow-up of 2,941 CAF Regular Force members who participated in the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey-Canadian Forces Supplement (CCHS-CFS). The prevalence of males and females who were released following <10 and <20 years of service was calculated. Logistic regression analyses examined baseline (2002) and interim (2002-2018) risk and protective factors of releasing with <20 years of service. Results: Early release estimates were comparable between males (11.1%) and females (13.7%). Being non-white, serving in land and sea environments, having a higher number of dependents, having greater work stress at baseline, and avoidance coping positively predicted premature release in both sexes (OR 1.10-4.04). Younger age and a higher level of deployment-related experiences were associated with a lower likelihood of early release in both sexes (AOR 0.49-0.92). Surprisingly, trauma exposure and mental disorders were mostly not positively associated with early release. Discussion: Findings have implications for increasing military retention in both sexes. These implications include continued efforts to reduce work stress and unhelpful coping.