In 2023, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), in partnership with the Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, conducted a comprehensive review of health research involving actively serving and transitioning ADF personnel. The review examined peer‑reviewed and grey literature published over a 20 year period between 2002 and 2023, and summarised the findings in line with Defence’s strategic health priorities.

The review identified strong evidence in several areas, particularly:

• mental health and wellbeing
• reproductive and female health among serving ADF personnel.

Research relating to infectious disease, research and management was excluded from the review, as this topic is addressed directly through the ADF Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute.

Findings from this work contributed to 3 peer-reviewed publications that strengthen the evidence base for Defence health research and planning.

Peer‑reviewed publications

• Catalogue of research investigating the health of Australian Defence Force personnel, 2002 –2023: Journal of Military and Veterans’ Health – March 2026

  This scoping review systematically mapped all health research involving serving and transitioning ADF personnel published between 2002 and 2023.

  The review identified 171 peer‑reviewed studies, along with Defence‑commissioned reports, grey literature and academic theses. Most studies focused on:

  • mental health and wellbeing (47%)
  • musculoskeletal disorders (27%)
  • occupational and environmental health (13%).

  Most of the identified research was funded by Defence or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The resulting full catalogue of studies provides comprehensive evidence resource to support Defence health planning, policy development, and the identification of future research priorities.

• Reproductive and female health in the Australian Defence Force 2002 – 2023: a systematic review and synthesis. Military Medicine – March 2026

  This systematic review synthesised existing research on reproductive and female‑specific health issues among serving ADF members. This review included 22 studies that examined reproductive health outcomes and women’s health.

  Overall, findings showed no consistent negative effects related to deployment. Women’s health research primarily focused on musculoskeletal injuries during recruit training. The review identified opportunities to build on existing evidence base, through longitudinal study designs and the use of sex specific analyses and detailed research of female‑specific health issues relevant to military readiness and deployability.

• Post‑traumatic stress disorder in serving Australian Defence Force members 2002 – 2023: a systematic evidence review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology – January 2025

  This systematic review examined studies on post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among serving ADF members published between 2002 and 2023. 

  Across 43 studies, PTSD diagnosed through clinical interviews ranged between 2% to 8% among serving members. PTSD was commonly reported alongside other physical health conditions and risk‑taking behaviours. However, strong unit support, effective leadership, and positive teamwork were associated with better mental health outcomes. 

  Overall, this body of research provides valuable information about the prevalence of PTSD among serving ADF members and highlights research gaps in evidence regarding treatment intervention across military service and transition to civilian life.