Risk Factors for Injuries in the U.S. Army Ordnance School

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for time-loss injuries among soldiers attending U.S. Army Ordnance School Advanced Individual Training. METHODS: Injuries were obtained from an injury surveillance system. A health questionnaire provided data on age, race, rank, current self-reported injury and illness, and tobacco use. Fitness data was obtained from operations office. RESULTS: Cumulative time-loss injury incidence was 31% for men and 54% for women. For men, higher risk of injury was associated with race, a current self-reported injury, smoking before entering the Army, lower sit-up performance, and slower 2-mile run times. For women, higher risk of injury was associated with race, a current self-reported injury, and slower 2-mile run times. CONCLUSION: Smoking cessation and fitness training before entry are potential strategies to reduce injuries among soldiers in the Ordnance School.