A brief review of the epidemiology of HIV in the U.S. Army

Abstract

The Department of Defense has conducted extensive HIV testing for over 5 years. We summarize the epidemiology of the HIV infection in the total Army. While screening of civilian applicants effectively ensures seronegativity of enlistees, there are approximately 220 new HIV infections each year among active duty soldiers. High-risk demographic groups in the Army include single soldiers, males, those age 25-35, blacks, and Hispanics (including black and Hispanic females). While preventive efforts in the Army should reflect the higher risk experienced by these groups, all soldiers should be made aware of their susceptibility as the epidemic evolves to include more women and heterosexual men.