The Millennium Cohort Study: The first 20 years of research dedicated to understanding the long-term health of US Service Members and Veterans

Abstract

Purpose: The Millennium Cohort Study, the US Department of Defense's largest and longest running study, was conceived in 1999 to investigate the effects of military service on service member health and well-being by prospectively following active duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel from all branches during and following military service. In commemoration of the Study's 20th anniversary, this paper provides a summary of its methods, key findings, and future directions.

Methods: Recruitment and enrollment of the first 5 panels occurred between 2001 and 2021. After completing a baseline survey, participants are requested to complete follow-up surveys every 3-5 years.

Results: Study research projects are categorized into 3 core portfolio areas (psychological health, physical health, and health-related behaviors) and several cross-cutting areas and have culminated in more than 120 publications to date. For example, some key Study findings include that specific military service-related factors (e.g., experiencing combat, serving in certain occupational subgroups) were associated with adverse health-related outcomes and that unhealthy behaviors and mental health issues may increase following the transition from military service to veteran status.

Conclusions: The Study will continue to foster stakeholder relationships such that research findings inform and guide policy initiatives and health promotion efforts.

Keywords: Deployment; Health-related behaviors; Longitudinal cohort; Mental heatlh; Military; Millennium Cohort Study; Physical health; Protective factors; Risk factors; Veterans.