HIV infection: military occupational sequelae.

The military experience of 573 soldiers found to be HIV seropositive and their 2,262 matched seronegative controls were compared to determine if differences exist. Examination of personnel records for study members showed an expected difference in assignment changes, with seropositives being moved significantly more often to other units in compliance with a regulation prohibiting their presence in special operations units and units located overseas. Otherwise, there was no statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level when comparing changes in education, military occupational specialty code, promotion, or demotion. Seropositive individuals were less likely to marry, but no more likely to divorce. Seropositives were more likely to be separated from active service and barred from reenlistment for medical reasons.