Military Personnel, and Their Families: A Vulnerable Population

American armed services personnel in either active or veteran status have served in conflicts from WWII to the recent actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. During and after their tours of duties these men and women and their families are at risk for a range of health and social issues that might in time present challenges to them and to their communities. These risks include such things as traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, and mental health issues for their children. Barriers to access of adequate health care, especially for returnees in rural and remote locations, may also impede their exercise of the right to the highest attainable standard of health.