Outcomes of Fort Jackson's Physical Training and Rehabilitation Program in army basic combat training: return to training, graduation, and 2-year retention.
Basic trainees at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, who were unable to continue basic combat training (BCT) because of a serious injury were assigned to the Physical Training and Rehabilitation Program (PTRP). Between January 3, 1998 and July 24, 2001, 4258 trainees were assigned to the PTRP. Using a retrospective cohort study design, return to training and BCT graduation rates were evaluated. PTRP graduates were compared with matched non-PTRP graduates for 2-year retention in the Army. More PTRP women than men were discharged from the PTRP (60% and 48%, respectively, p < 0.01). Of PTRP trainees returning to BCT, 10% and 12% of men and women, respectively, were discharged from the Army compared with overall Fort Jackson discharge rates of 9% and 15% for men and women, respectively. Comparing PTRP graduates to matched non-PTRP graduates, there were no differences in 2-year retention for men (14.9% and 14.7%, respectively; p = 0.93) or women (26.6% and 30.1%, respectively; p = 0.19). Despite the high discharge rate in the PTRP, the BCT discharge rate for trainees who successfully rehabilitated was similar to the overall discharge rate at Fort Jackson. The 2-year retention in service for PTRP trainees who graduated from BCT was similar to that of non-PTRP trainees.
Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403, USA.
Keith G
KG
Hauret
Joseph J
JJ
Knapik
Jeffrey L
JL
Lange
Heidi A
HA
Heckel
Dana L
DL
Coval
David H
DH
Duplessis
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013022:South Carolina; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*