Background Information:
- In the United States military, 14.3% of active duty personnel, 17.7% of the Reserves, and 15.5% of the National Guard are women.
- Currently, about 11% of the US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are women.
- Three quarters of military women are between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Over 25% of women are from racial or ethnic minority groups; 26% are Black and 10% are Hispanic.
Experiences while in the Military:
- Approximately 12% of women deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF; Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) report moderate levels of combat and up to 40% come under mortar or artillery fire.
- 22% of women Veterans report "military sexual trauma" (MST) defined as sexual assault or severe and threatening sexual harassment during military service.
Post-military experiences (women seen in the VA settings):
- Women Veterans report less perceived social support than male Veterans.
- Women Veterans are less likely to receive substance abuse care than male Veterans (16.3% versus 71.2%).
- Percent of medical diagnoses in OEF/OIF Veterans seen in the VA
- 46% Musculoskeletal issues (e.g., joint pain, back pain)
- 39% Mental disorders, with 15-17% diagnosed with PTSD
