Abstract Introduction Noncombat injuries (“injuries”) threaten soldier health and United
States (US) Army medical readiness, accounting for more than twice as many outpatient
medical encounters among active component (AC) soldiers as behavioral health conditions
(the second leading cause of outpatient visits). Noncombat musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs)
account for more than 80% of soldiers' injuries and 65% of medically nondeployable AC
soldiers. This review focuses on MSKI risk reduction initiatives, management, and reporting …

Conclusions Standardized exercise programming has reduced trainee MSKI rates.
Secondary risk reduction initiatives show promise for reducing MSKI-related duty limitations
and nondeployability among AC soldiers; timely identification/evaluation and appropriate,
early management of MSKIs are essential. Tertiary risk reduction initiatives show promise for
identifying soldiers whose chronic musculoskeletal conditions may render them unfit for
continued military service. Clinicians must document MSKI care with sufficient specificity …