Negative first-term outcomes associated with lower extremity injury during recruit training among female Marine Corps graduates

This study assessed the impact of lower extremity injuries and stress fractures during recruit training on first-term outcomes among female Marine Corps graduates. Injury data were collected from women recruits at Parris Island, South Carolina (1995-1999) and negative first-term outcomes were obtained from the Career History Archival Medical and Personnel System. The three negative outcomes included (1) failure to complete first-term of service, (2) failure to achieve rank of corporal, and (3) failure to reenlist. Overall, 22% did not complete their first-term enlistment and 12% of those who did were not promoted to corporal. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, not completing first term and not being promoted to corporal were both associated with injuries or stress fracture during training. Reenlistment was not associated with training injuries. Our findings indicate lower extremity injuries among women undergoing Marine Corps recruit training are associated with poor first-term outcomes even among those who graduate.