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More Soldiers Leaving Military Because of Drug Use
January 18, 2006

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Research Summary

Last year 10.5 percent of enlisted personnel left the military, an increase from 8.7 percent in 2002 and a trend blamed in part on drug use, the Associated Press reported Jan. 16.

The losses -- including soldiers, sailors and airmen who are discharged before their term of enlistment is up -- have risen among enlisted and officers alike in recent years. Discharges for drug use have risen 40 percent in the Army since 2002, although discharges for alcohol use declined.

Discharges for pregnancy and parenthood also have risen sharply since the "War on Terror" began, according to Pentagon data. A rising number of discharges are due to excessive weight gain, notably in the Army, but fewer military personnel are being discharged for homosexuality.

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