By virtue of their occupation, soldiers and sailors are at greater risk. Special report: the military
Miller, N.; Yeager, R.
Aids Analysis Africa 5(6): 8-9
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 1016-8974 PMID: 12319966 Document Number: 312563
AIDS is a major problem for military personnel because they are young and sexually active. The UN has over 70,000 troops deployed in 18 different assignments; since 1980, more of these soldiers died of AIDS than have been killed in combat. National military forces in developing countries are decimated by the epidemic. In some armies, especially those in Africa, HIV rates are over 45%, and for officers in some flying and armored units, 100% positivity has been reported. AIDS strikes mainly at the 20-40 age group, often taking senior officers and high-ranking managers. The prevalence of infection may compromise the safety of the blood supply in military hospitals. Military leaders are also worried about exposing their troops to HIV infection from allies; such exposure could jeopardize their combat readiness. Recently demobilized personnel could contribute to AIDS awareness programs as instructors and role models. One major challenge in prevention programs is to convince troops to practice safe sex. Sexually transmitted disease infection rates in the military are between two and five times higher than the rates in the general population. The key issue is whether to screen new recruits. Screening improves blood safety; however, the issues of privacy, confidentiality, and human rights must be considered. In some nations, HIV-infected persons are automatically excluded from the ranks. The question also arises whether special AIDS clinics should be established for soldiers and their families. The issue of screening senior officers for HIV before promotion to higher ranks is also intricate. Stigmatization of those rejected may lead to fewer candidates seeking military careers. The HIV-positive soldier should not be deprived of active duty, training, deployment, and promotion unless debilitating symptoms emerge. The prevention and care programs must resolve: greater training and sharing of data between civil and military sectors, greater international cooperation, long-term view of the disease, and intersectoral cooperation.