Why Military members lie on their health assessments?

TSgt Thomas Monaghan — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:24:04 -0500

The annual health screening we all fill out. it asks you questions about your alcohol habits and if your on any medication/ recieved counseling if a member is honest on this form they are punished or put before a medical board. But we all sit through these briefings about watching for your wingman.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 27 at 2014 9:30 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:30:26 -0500

There were some things i did not tell full truths on because it was non of there business and to me did not affect my deployability.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 10:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 22:32:59 -0500

Fear of med board or just want to get through and out process from demob to go home. Also, some are embarassed.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Dec 7 at 2014 10:41 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 22:41:35 -0500

Many reasons. Mostly because it's an annual thing, and no one wants 643 follow up appointments for marking the bubble below "excellent". Then the stigma that comes with all the appoinents. However, it has made it difficult after leaving the military to get anything service connected through the VA. Advice: start answering honestly the year or two before you are exiting the military.

Response by SSgt Craig Deppen made Jun 17 at 2015 9:36 PM

SSgt Craig Deppen — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 21:36:21 -0400

As a 20 year medic, we would see very low alcohol use numbers and the general rule of thumb was multiply by 4. The screenings were done on a random basis and did not impact anyones career. The information was gathered mostly to assess the overall health of the active duty population. You also have to remember that I retired 17 years ago...... times have changed and not always for the better.

Response by SSgt Judy L made Nov 2 at 2015 4:16 PM

SSgt Judy L — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 16:16:58 -0500

LOL. Because we are taught if you report you are retaliated against. And booted. No thanks.