The U.S. Army HIV testing program: the first decade

Abstract

In response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, the U.S. military established comprehensive policies to protect individual and public health and to assure military readiness. Central to this effort was the creation of a total-force HIV screening program. As representative of these military programs, the U.S. Army's HIV testing program is described. The first decade of this program is assessed from financial, research, policy, and epidemic-control perspectives. We conclude that the government's investment has been a prudent one, leaving the U.S. military better positioned to counter the threats posed by the HIV pandemic.