Yes, service members can and do contract sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which the military refers to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The active-duty force is largely composed of young adults (ages 18-25), the age group most affected by STDs nationally. Military surveillance data shows that rates of certain STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, have been increasing among active-duty members, mirroring national trends. Unique conditions of military life, including frequent travel, high mobility, and close living quarters, introduce additional factors that influence transmission risk.
Regulatory Framework and Mandatory Reporting
The Department of Defense (DoD) approaches STDs through the lens of force readiness and public health surveillance. The military maintains specific regulations governing the detection, reporting, and management of communicable diseases, necessitating stricter requirements than the civilian medical sector.
When a service member is diagnosed, the infection becomes a “reportable medical event.” Medical treatment facility (MTF) personnel must report the case to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch and often to state or local public health authorities. The military uses the Disease Reporting Surveillance internet (DRSi) system for timely and standardized data collection.
Only Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing is routinely required for all service members, typically every two years. Screening for common infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended, especially for asymptomatic young women up to age 26, but is not mandatory for all members. The underlying reason for mandatory reporting is the military’s responsibility to maintain a medically fit and deployable force. Controlling communicable diseases is considered a direct mission requirement. This public health approach includes mandatory contact tracing, where nurses interview the diagnosed member to confidentially notify sexual partners of potential exposure.
Medical Care and Confidentiality
Service members access STD diagnosis and treatment through the military health system, primarily at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) or via Tricare benefits. Testing and treatment are provided at no cost, encouraging prompt medical attention. Treatment follows established guidelines, such as those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While care is confidential, medical privacy has specific limits under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Military Command Exception permits providers to disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) to command authorities. This disclosure is allowed when necessary for the proper execution of the military mission, such as determining fitness for duty or deployability.
A diagnosis that temporarily limits a member’s ability to perform duties or makes them non-deployable may trigger a command notification. Providers must adhere to the “minimum necessary” standard, disclosing only the functional impact on duty status and limitations, not the specific diagnosis itself. For instance, the commander is informed the member is on a temporary duty restriction but is generally not told the exact STD, unless the condition poses a direct threat to others.
Career and Disciplinary Ramifications
Contracting an STD is not typically a punishable offense; a service member will not face disciplinary action solely for a medical diagnosis. Consequences shift to disciplinary action only when conduct related to the infection violates the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Punishment is reserved for misconduct, such as failing to follow a direct medical order or disregarding duty restrictions. A member can face charges under the UCMJ’s General Article (Article 134) if they engage in sexual conduct knowing they have an STD and recklessly expose or knowingly transmit it to another person. This conduct is viewed as prejudicial to good order and discipline.
If transmission involves a deadly STD, such as HIV, the charges can be more severe, potentially including aggravated assault. Beyond punitive action, a service member may face administrative separation if the condition renders them medically unfit or non-deployable for an extended time. This separation is based on a lack of military readiness, not punishment.