COMMUNITY NEEDS AMONG SERVICE MEMBERS AFTER RETURN FROM COMBAT DEPLOYMENT

摘要

To build on research concerning the development of postdeployment community-based programs, we surveyed active duty soldiers from two Brigade Combat Teams (N = 693; N = 1,385) after return from a combat deployment. The Brigade Combat Teams were located on different installations in rural areas representing 2 large military communities. The survey included an assessment about a range of community services (social events, cultural integration opportunities, family, chaplain, and mental health services, etc.). We also examined whether ratings of services varied as a function of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, deployment experiences, organizational leadership and support, and attitudinal variables related to mental health. Differences in ratings between the 2 communities suggest the measure detected perceptions of community needs that are idiosyncratic to the particular community, and may be useful for informing program planning and service needs.