0704-SOFS_SurveyInstrument_9.15.21

2021 Status of Forces Survey of Reserve Component Members

2021 Status of the Forces Survey of Reserve Component Members

(SOFS-R)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Have you served on active duty, not as a member of the Reserve components, for a cumulative 24 months or more?

		Yes
		No

For the next questions, the definition of “child, children, or other legal dependents“ includes anyone in your family, except your spouse, who has, or is eligible to have, a Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (also called a military ID card) or is eligible for military health care benefits, and is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

2. Do you have a child, children, or other legal dependents based on the definition above?

		Yes
		No

3. [Ask if Q6 = "Yes"] How many children or other legal dependents do you have in each age group specified below? To indicate none, select “0.” To indicate nine or more, select “9.”

	13 years and younger
	14-22 years old
	23 years and older

ACTIVATION/​DEPLOYMENT STATUS

Please read the following definitions carefully.

In this survey, the term “activation” refers to the involuntary or voluntary call to active duty in support of a declared national emergency (DNE) of a Reserve component or National Guard member under provision of 10 USC §12301(a) (Full Mobilization), 10 USC §12301(d) (Voluntary Active Duty if in support of a DNE), 10USC §12302 (Partial Mobilization), or 10 USC §12304 (Presidential Reserve Call-up), or 10 USC §12304a. It also applies to National Guard members who perform duties under 32 USC 502(f) for the purposes of supporting a DNE. It does NOT apply to members on full-time active duty or members serving on full-time National Guard Duty in an AGR/​FTS/​AR status, active duty for operational support, active duty for training, or members serving on State Active Duty.

4. Have you been activated in the past 24 months? This includes activations that started more than 24 months ago and continued into the past 24 months. If you have been an AGR/​FTS/​AR for the past 24 months, select “No.”

		Yes
		No

5. [Ask if Q10 = "Yes"] Was at least one of your activations in the past 24 months longer than 30 consecutive days?

		Yes
		No

6. [Ask if Q11 = "Yes"] In the past 24 months, has (have) your activation(s) of more than 30 consecutive days been voluntary, involuntary, or both?

		Voluntary
		Involuntary
		Both

7. [Ask if Q10 = "Yes"] Are you currently activated?

		Yes
		No

In the survey, the term “deployment“ refers to the performance of duties supporting a DNE that is at a location that would be considered outside normal commuting distance or time from the member's permanent work site (i.e., an armory or reserve center). Deployments can be to a location within the contiguous 48 states (CONUS) or to a location outside the contiguous 48 states (OCONUS).

8. [Ask if Q11 = "Yes"] Did any of your activations of more than 30 consecutive days in the past 24 months result in deployment?

		Yes
		No

9. [Ask if Q14 = "Yes"] In the past 24 months, after processing in the mobilization station, were you deployed within the contiguous 48 states (CONUS), outside the contiguous 48 states (OCONUS), or both?

		CONUS
		OCONUS
		Both

10. [Ask if Q13 = "Yes" AND Q14 = "Yes"] Are you currently deployed?

		Yes
		No

EMPLOYMENT/​STUDENT STATUS

11. [Ask if MTFLAG = 2 AND (Q10 = "No" OR Q13 = "No")] Are you currently a military technician?

		Yes
		No

12. [Ask if MTFLAG = 2 AND Q13 = "Yes"] In the week prior to your current activation, were you a military technician?

		Yes
		No

13. [Ask if (RPROGCIV = "IMA" OR (AGRFLAG = 2 AND (RORG_CD = "Navy Reserve" OR RORG_CD = "Marine Corps Reserve" OR Q17 = "No"))) AND (Q10 = "No" OR Q13 = "No")] Last week, did you do any work for pay or profit? Mark “Yes” even if you worked only one hour, or helped without pay in a family business or farm for 15 hours or more.

		Yes
		No

14. [Ask if (RPROGCIV = "IMA" OR (AGRFLAG = 2 AND (RORG_CD = "Navy Reserve" OR RORG_CD = "Marine Corps Reserve" OR Q18 = "No"))) AND Q13 = "Yes"] In the week prior to your most recent activation, did you do any work for pay or profit? Mark “Yes” even if you worked only one hour, or helped without pay in a family business or farm for 15 hours or more.

		Yes
		No

15. [Ask if Q19 = "No"] Last week, were you temporarily absent from a job or business?

		Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc.
		No

16. [Ask if Q20 = "No"] In the week prior to your most recent activation, were you temporarily absent from a job or business?

		Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc.
		No

17. [Ask if Q21 = "No"] Have you been looking for work during the last 4 weeks?

		Yes
		No

18. [Ask if Q22 = "No"] Were you looking for work during the 4 weeks prior to your most recent activation?

		Yes
		No

19. [Ask if Q23 = "Yes"] Last week, could you have started a job if offered one, or returned to work if recalled?

		Yes, could have gone to work
		No, because of my temporary illness
		No, because of other reasons (in school, etc.)

20. [Ask if Q24 = "Yes"] In the week prior to your most recent activation, could you have started a job if offered one, or returned to work if recalled?

		Yes, could have gone to work
		No, because of my temporary illness
		No, because of other reasons (in school, etc.)

21. [Ask if Q20 = "Yes" OR Q22 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc."] In the week prior to your most recent activation, did you have a full-time civilian job (of 35 hours or more per week) that included benefits, as well as pay or salary?

		Yes
		No

22. [Ask if Q19 = "Yes" OR Q21 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc."] What is your current principal civilian employment? By principal civilian employment, we mean the job at which you work the most hours.

		An employee of a PRIVATE/​PUBLIC company, business or individual, working for wages, salary, or commission
		An employee of a NOT-FOR-PROFIT, tax-exempt, or charitable organization
		A FEDERAL government employee
		A STATE government employee
		A LOCAL government employee (e.g., county, city, town)
		Self-employed in OWN business, professional practice, or farm
		Working WITHOUT PAY in a family business or farm
		Working WITH PAY in a family business or farm

23. [Ask if (Q29 = "An employee of a PRIVATE/​PUBLIC company, business or individual, working for wages, salary, or commission" OR Q29 = "An employee of a NOT-FOR-PROFIT, tax-exempt, or charitable organization" OR Q29 = "A FEDERAL government employee" OR Q29 = "A STATE government employee" OR Q29 = "A LOCAL government employee (e.g., county, city, town)" OR Q29 = "Self-employed in OWN business, professional practice, or farm" OR Q29 = "Working WITHOUT PAY in a family business or farm" OR Q29 = "Working WITH PAY in a family business or farm")] Counting all locations where your current principal employer operates in the United States, what is the total number of persons who work for this employer?

		1 to 9
		10 to 24
		25 to 49
		50 to 99
		100 to 499
		500 to 999
		1,000 or more

24. [Ask if Q20 = "Yes" OR Q22 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc." OR Q31 = "No"] In the week prior to your most recent activation, what was your principal civilian employment? By principal civilian employment, we mean the job at which you worked the most hours.

		An employee of a PRIVATE/​PUBLIC company, business or individual, working for wages, salary, or commission
		An employee of a NOT-FOR-PROFIT, tax-exempt, or charitable organization
		A FEDERAL government employee
		A STATE government employee
		A LOCAL government employee (e.g., county, city, town)
		Self-employed in OWN business, professional practice, or farm
		Working WITHOUT PAY in a family business or farm
		Working WITH PAY in a family business or farm

25. [Ask if (Q32 = "An employee of a PRIVATE/​PUBLIC company, business or individual, working for wages, salary, or commission" OR Q32 = "An employee of a NOT-FOR-PROFIT, tax-exempt, or charitable organization" OR Q32 = "A FEDERAL government employee" OR Q32 = "A STATE government employee" OR Q32 = "A LOCAL government employee (e.g., county, city, town)" OR Q32 = "Self-employed in OWN business, professional practice, or farm" OR Q32 = "Working WITHOUT PAY in a family business or farm" OR Q32 = "Working WITH PAY in a family business or farm")] Counting all locations where your principal employer operated in the United States, what is the total number of persons who worked for this employer?

		1 to 9
		10 to 24
		25 to 49
		50 to 99
		100 to 499
		500 to 999
		1,000 or more

26. [Ask if AGRFLAG = 2 AND (Q10 = "No" OR Q13 = "No")] Are you currently enrolled in a civilian school? Mark “Yes” if you were enrolled in the most recent academic semester or if you are enrolled for the next semester.

		Yes
		No

27. [Ask if AGRFLAG = 2 AND Q13 = "Yes"] At the time of your most recent activation, were you enrolled in a civilian school? Mark “Yes” if you were enrolled in the most recent academic semester or if you were enrolled for the next semester.

		Yes
		No

28. [Ask if Q34 = "Yes"] Are you currently a full-time student or part-time student? Full-time is considered an equivalent of 12 credit hours or more per semester. Part-time is considered an equivalent of less than 12 credit hours per semester.

		Full-time
		Part-time

29. [Ask if Q35 = "Yes"] At the time of your most recent activation, were you a full-time student or part-time student? Full-time is considered an equivalent of 12 credit hours or more per semester. Part-time is considered an equivalent of less than 12 credit hours per semester.

		Full-time
		Part-time

30. [Ask if Q27 = "No"] What is the main reason you do not currently have a full-time civilian job?

		Unable to find a job
		Full-time homemaker, parent, and/​or care giver
		Full-time student
		Retired, other than Guard/​Reserve requirements
		Disabled
		Prefer not to have a full-time job
		Other

[Ask if Q38 = "Other"] Please specify the main reason you do not currently have a full-time civilian job. Please do not include any personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses).

SATISFACTION

31. Overall, how satisfied are you with the military way of life?

		Very satisfied
		Satisfied
		Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
		Dissatisfied
		Very dissatisfied

RETENTION

32. How many years have you spent in military service? Do not count partial years. To indicate less than 1 year, enter “0”. To indicate 35 years or more, enter “35”. Include in military service years:

• Time spent as an active duty Service member

• Time spent as a National Guard/​Reserve component member, to include:

• Time spent as a Drilling unit Reservist/​Traditional Guardsman/​Troop Program Unit (TPU) Reservist

• Time spent mobilized/​activated on active duty

• Time spent in a full-time, active duty program

• Time spent in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)

• Time spent as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA)

• Time spent in the Standby Reserve

Years

33. Suppose that you have to decide whether to continue to participate in the National Guard/​Reserve. Assuming you could stay, how likely is it that you would choose to do so?

		Very likely
		Likely
		Neither likely nor unlikely
		Unlikely
		Very unlikely

34. [Ask if Q4 = "Married" OR Q4 = "Separated" OR Q5 = "Less than 1 year" OR Q5 = "1 year to less than 6 years" OR Q5 = "6 years to less than 10 years" OR Q5 = "10 years or more"] In your opinion, how does your spouse/​significant other view your participation in the National Guard/​Reserve?

		Very favorably
		Somewhat favorably
		Neither favorably nor unfavorably
		Somewhat unfavorably
		Very unfavorably

35. In your opinion, how does your family view your participation in the National Guard/​Reserve?

		Very favorably
		Somewhat favorably
		Neither favorably nor unfavorably
		Somewhat unfavorably
		Very unfavorably

36. [Ask if Q19 = "Yes" OR Q20 = "Yes" OR Q21 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc." OR Q22 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc."] In your opinion, how does your supervisor at your principal civilian job view your participation in the National Guard/​Reserve?

		Does not apply; I do not have a supervisor at my principal civilian job
		Very favorably
		Somewhat favorably
		Neither favorably nor unfavorably
		Somewhat unfavorably
		Very unfavorably

37. [Ask if Q19 = "Yes" OR Q20 = "Yes" OR Q21 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc." OR Q22 = "Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc."] In your opinion, how do your coworkers at your principal civilian job view your participation in the National Guard/​Reserve?

		Does not apply; I do not work with others at my principal civilian job
		Very favorably
		Somewhat favorably
		Neither favorably nor unfavorably
		Somewhat unfavorably
		Very unfavorably

TEMPO

38. [Ask if AGRFLAG = 2] In the past 12 months, how many days (full days, not drill periods) did you spend in a compensated (pay or points) National Guard/​Reserve status?

Days

39. [Ask if AGRFLAG = 2] In an average month when not activated, how many unpaid hours, off duty, do you spend on your unit's business? For none, enter “0”.

Hours

40. In the past 12 months, how many nights did you spend away from your home because of your military duties? Do not include nights spent away from home before out-of-town drills.

Nights

41. In the past 12 months, have you spent more or less time away from your home than you expected when you first entered the National Guard/​Reserve?

		Much more than expected
		More than expected
		Neither more nor less than expected
		Less than expected
		Much less than expected

42. What impact has time away (or lack thereof) from your home in the past 12 months had on your military career intentions?

		Greatly increased your desire to stay
		Increased your desire to stay
		Neither increased nor decreased your desire to stay
		Decreased your desire to stay
		Greatly decreased your desire to stay

READINESS

43. How well has your training prepared you to perform your wartime job?

		Very well
		Well
		Neither well nor poorly
		Poorly
		Very poorly

STRESS

44. Overall, how would you rate the current level of stress in your military life?

		Much less than usual
		Less than usual
		About the same as usual
		More than usual
		Much more than usual

45. Overall, how would you rate the current level of stress in your personal life?

		Much less than usual
		Less than usual
		About the same as usual
		More than usual
		Much more than usual

DEPLOYMENTS IN PAST 5 YEARS

46. [Ask if Q10 = "No"] Have you been activated in the past 5 years?

		Yes
		No

• Operation Noble Eagle officially began 11 Sep 2001 and is currently on-going.

• Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) officially began 15 Jun 2014 and includes military intervention against extremists in Iraq and Syria.

• Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS), a follow-on mission to OEF, officially began 1 Jan 2015 and includes missions to train Afghan soldiers and conduct counterterrorism operations against extremists in Afghanistan.

47. [Ask if Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes"] In the past 5 years, for which of the following operations/​contingencies have you been deployed to support (either directly or indirectly)? Mark all that apply.

		I have not deployed in the past 5 years
		Operation Noble Eagle
		Operation Inherent Resolve
		Operation Freedom's Sentinel
		COVID-19 Response
		Southwest Border Operation
		Other

[Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND Q58 g = "Marked"] Please specify the other operation/​contingency for which you have been deployed to support (either directly or indirectly) in the past 5 years. Please do not include any personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses).

48. [Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND (Q58 b = "Marked" OR Q58 c = "Marked" OR Q58 d = "Marked" OR Q58 e = "Marked" OR Q58 f = "Marked" OR Q58 g = "Marked")] In the past 5 years, how many times have you been deployed?

Times

49. [Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND (Q58 b = "Marked" OR Q58 c = "Marked" OR Q58 d = "Marked" OR Q58 e = "Marked" OR Q58 f = "Marked" OR Q58 g = "Marked")] In the past 5 years, have you been deployed to a combat zone or an area where you drew imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay?

		Yes
		No

50. [Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND Q60 = "Yes" AND Q16 = "Yes" AND (Q58 b = "Marked" OR Q58 c = "Marked" OR Q58 d = "Marked" OR Q58 e = "Marked" OR Q58 f = "Marked" OR Q58 g = "Marked")] For your most recent deployment, how many months have you been or were you deployed to a combat zone or an area where you drew imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay? Include partial months. For example, even if you were deployed to a combat zone for 2 days, but those days were in different months, enter “2”.

Months

51. [Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND (Q58 b = "Marked" OR Q58 c = "Marked" OR Q58 d = "Marked" OR Q58 e = "Marked" OR Q58 f = "Marked" OR Q58 g = "Marked")] Were you involved in combat operations?

		Yes
		No

52. [Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND Q60 = "Yes" AND Q16 = "Yes" AND (Q58 b = "Marked" OR Q58 c = "Marked" OR Q58 d = "Marked" OR Q58 e = "Marked" OR Q58 f = "Marked" OR Q58 g = "Marked" OR Q58 h = "Marked")] Are you currently deployed to a combat zone or an area where you are drawing imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay?

		Yes
		No

53. [Ask if (Q10 = "Yes" OR Q57 = "Yes") AND (Q58 b = "Marked" OR Q58 c = "Marked" OR Q58 d = "Marked" OR Q58 e = "Marked" OR Q58 f = "Marked" OR Q58 g = "Marked")] Were any of your deployments in the past 5 years longer than you expected?

		Yes
		No

FINANCIAL WELL-BEING AND EDUCATION

54. Which of the following best describes your (and/​or your spouse's) financial condition?

		Very comfortable and secure
		Able to make ends meet without much difficulty
		Occasionally have some difficulty making ends meet
		Tough to make ends meet but keeping your head above water
		In over your head

55. Compared to 12 months ago, is your financial situation better, worse, or has it stayed the same?

		Much better
		Somewhat better
		Stayed the same
		Somewhat worse
		Much worse

56. [Ask if Q66 = "Much better" OR Q66 = "Somewhat better"] Which of the following are reasons why your financial situation is better than it was 12 months ago? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Change related to your employment (e.g., new job, promotion)
	b. Change related to your spouse's employment (e.g., new job, promotion)
	c. Change in your family situation (e.g., got married or divorced, fewer children living at home)
	d. Reduction in debt (e.g., paid off credit card debt, student loan debt, other loans)
	e. Better financial management (e.g., received financial education, increased savings, followed budget)

57. [Ask if Q66 = "Much worse" OR Q66= "Somewhat worse"] Which of the following are reasons why your financial situation is worse than it was 12 months ago? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Change related to your employment (e.g., lost job, between jobs, could not find job)
	b. Change related to your spouse's employment (e.g., lost job, between jobs, could not find job)
	c. Change in your family situation (e.g., got married or divorced, had a baby, provided financial support for family)
	d. Increased debt (e.g., unplanned expenses, student loan deferment ended)
	e. Financial management problems (e.g., used savings, no budget)

58. Which of the following activities do you do routinely in order to manage your finances? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Make short-term financial plans (e.g., renting a house, purchasing a vehicle, saving for vacation, medical/​dental/​vision expenses)
	b. Make and/​or monitor long-term financial plans (e.g., home ownership, retirement, insurance, children's college education)
	c. Follow a monthly budget or spending plan
	d. Contribute to a savings account for emergency savings or other savings goal
	e. Review your LES
	f. Contribute to a retirement account (e.g., the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), IRA, 401(k))
	g. Monitor your credit score/​rating

59. From which of the following resources have you received information, training, or counseling on any financial topic? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Military financial training, class, or seminar (online or classroom)
	b. Military financial counseling (in-person, by telephone, or virtually)
	c. Unit leadership or financial specialist within your unit (e.g., Command Financial Specialist, Corporal for Financial Fitness, Command Financial NCO)
	d. Military aid society (e.g., Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance)
	e. On-base financial institution (e.g., bank or credit union)
	f. Online military resource(s) (e.g., Office of Financial Readiness, Sen$e app, Military OneSource, Service or installation financial readiness program)
	g. Off-base financial institution (e.g., bank or credit union)
	h. Professional/​certified financial counselor, planner, or advisor outside of the military
	i. Family/​friends/​peers
	j. Online non-military resources (e.g., online search, blogs, articles)

60. Which of the following statements best describes your (and your spouse's, if applicable) saving or investment habits?

		Unable to save or invest—usually spend more than income
		Unable to save or invest—usually spend about as much as income
		Save or invest whatever is left over at the end of the month—no regular plan
		Save or invest regularly by putting money aside each month

61. Please indicate whether the following are financial goals for you (and your spouse, if applicable). If a goal does not apply to you, please select “No, this is not a goal for me/​us.” Mark one answer for each item.

	I/​we have met this goal
	No, this is not a goal for me/​us
	Yes, this is a goal for me/​us
	a. Saving for retirement
	b. Saving for child(ren)'s education
	c. Saving for a safety net/​emergency fund
	d. Paying off your education-related loans (e.g., federal or private student loans)
	e. Being free of debt, except for mortgage
	f. Buying a home
	g. Saving for a major purchase (e.g., vehicle, vacation, household items)

62. Which of the following options best describes how you routinely pay credit card debt?

		Pay credit card balance in full each month
		Pay more than minimum payment but not full balance
		Pay only minimum payment
		I do not use credit cards

63. How much do you (and your spouse, if applicable) have in an emergency savings fund, in terms of your average monthly expenses?

		Less than 1 month
		Between 1 and 3 months
		Between 3 and 6 months
		More than 6 months
		I do not have an emergency savings fund

64. In the past 12 months, did any of the following happen to you (and/​or your spouse)? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Failed to make a monthly/​minimum payment on your credit card, including the Military Star Card
	b. Failed to make a rent or mortgage payment
	c. Had one or more debts referred to a collection agency
	d. Had telephone, cable, or Internet shut off
	e. Had water, heat, or electricity shut off
	f. Failed to make a car payment
	g. Had a car repossessed
	h. Filed for personal bankruptcy
	i. Had to pay overdraft fees to your bank or credit union two or more times
	j. Borrowed money from family and/​or friends to pay bills
	k. Took money out of a retirement fund or investment to pay living expenses
	l. Had personal relationship problems with your partner due to finances
	m. Had your security clearance affected due to your financial condition
	n. Used a charitable organization's food pantry or food bank
	o. Had adverse personnel action due to financial condition
	p. Provided unplanned financial support to a family member who did not live with you

65. In the past 12 months, have you (and your spouse, if applicable) used any of the following financial products or services to cover routine expenses? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Overdraft loan or line of credit
	b. Overdraft protection from savings, credit card, or another account
	c. Direct deposit advance loan
	d. Payday loan
	e. Vehicle title loan (a loan where you obtain money by providing a vehicle title as collateral)
	f. Cash advance on a credit card
	g. Pawn loan
	h. Loan or grant from a military aid society (e.g., Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance)
	i. Other loan obtained online

66. How well does each statement describe you or your situation? Mark one answer for each item.

	Completely
	Very well
	Somewhat
	Very little
	Not at all
	a. Because of my money situation, I feel like I will never have the things I want in life.
	b. I am just getting by financially.
	c. I am concerned that the money I have, or will save, won't last.

67. How often does each of the following statements apply to you? Mark one answer for each item.

	Always
	Often
	Sometimes
	Rarely
	Never
	a. I have money left over at the end of the month.
	b. My finances control my life.

The Department of Defense is interested in assessing the overall financial literacy and preparedness of military members. By completing the next set of items, you will help the Department determine how well military members understand a variety of financial-related topics. For each question or statement, please select the BEST response. If you are not sure about an answer, please select “Don't know.”

68. Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2% per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?

		More than $102
		Exactly $102
		Less than $102
		Don't know

69. Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1% per year and inflation was 2% per year. After 1 year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?

		More than today
		Exactly the same
		Less than today
		Don't know

70. Is the following statement true or false?

A 15-year mortgage typically requires higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage, but the total interest paid over the life of the loan will be less.

		True
		False
		Don't know

71. Is the following statement true or false?

Buying a single company's stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.

		True
		False
		Don't know

72. Is the following statement true or false?

An insurance deductible is an amount you are responsible for paying before the insurance company will pay on your insurance claim.

		True
		False
		Don't know

73. The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a monthly annuity paid following death to the beneficiaries of...

		A retiree who signs up to participate and pays a monthly premium from their retired pay
		A Reserve or National Guard member who dies in the line of duty on federal active or inactive service
		Both
		Don't know

74. Which of the following does not impact your credit score?

		Paying bills on time
		Checking your own credit score
		The percentage of available credit used
		Applying for new credit
		Don't know

75. Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), the government will contribute 1% of your base pay to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account and match up to an additional ___ percent based on your TSP contribution after you are vested in TSP.

		4% for a total of 5%
		5% for a total of 6%
		There is no government match
		Don't know

76. Is the following statement true or false?

In making a decision whether or not to receive a lump sum payment from the Blended Retirement System (BRS) or another qualified retirement plan, one important factor to consider would be the potential taxes one may have to pay on the lump sum payment received.

		True
		False
		Don't know

77. In managing your personal budget, what is discretionary income?

		Special pays, allowances, and bonuses outside of military base pay
		The money used to make your rent or mortgage payment or other such fixed expenses
		The money remaining after taxes and fixed expenses (such as rent/​mortgage, utilities, insurance) are paid
		Don't know

SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS AND TRAINING

78. The next several questions ask about a time period in your life when you may have faced some challenges. We understand these are sensitive issues, but the Department wants to know more about members' experiences so they can help others who face similar challenges. Responses to these items are completely voluntary and confidential. Your responses will only be reported in aggregate form. Your individual data will not be reported.

79. Have you actually had any thoughts of killing yourself during the following periods? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Ever in your life
	b. Before joining the military
	c. Since joining the military
	d. Within the past 12 months
	e. Within 6 months before leaving for a deployment or another mission
	f. During a deployment or another mission
	g. Within 6 months after returning from a deployment or another mission

80. [Ask if Q90 a = "Yes" OR Q90 b = "Yes" OR Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 e = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes"] Have you thought about how you might kill yourself during the following periods? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Ever in your life
	b. Before joining the military
	c. Since joining the military
	d. Within the past 12 months
	e. Within 6 months before leaving for a deployment or another mission
	f. During a deployment or another mission
	g. Within 6 months after returning from a deployment or another mission

81. [Ask if Q90 a = "Yes" OR Q90 b = "Yes" OR Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 e = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes"] Have you had these thoughts and had some intention of acting on them during the following periods? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Ever in your life
	b. Before joining the military
	c. Since joining the military
	d. Within the past 12 months
	e. Within 6 months before leaving for a deployment or another mission
	f. During a deployment or another mission
	g. Within 6 months after returning from a deployment or another mission

82. [Ask if Q90 a = "Yes" OR Q90 b = "Yes" OR Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 e = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes"] Have you worked out a plan of how to kill yourself during the following periods? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Ever in your life
	b. Before joining the military
	c. Since joining the military
	d. Within the past 12 months
	e. Within 6 months before leaving for a deployment or another mission
	f. During a deployment or another mission
	g. Within 6 months after returning from a deployment or another mission

83. Did you make a suicide attempt during the following periods? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Ever in your life
	b. Before joining the military
	c. Since joining the military
	d. Within the past 12 months
	e. Within 6 months before leaving for a deployment or another mission
	f. During a deployment or another mission
	g. Within 6 months after returning from a deployment or another mission

84. [Ask if Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes" OR Q94 c = "Yes" OR Q94 d = "Yes" OR Q94 f = "Yes" OR Q94 g = "Yes"] Since joining the military, have you ever talked to anyone about your thoughts or attempts to kill yourself?

		Yes
		No, but I considered talking to someone
		No, and I never considered talking to anyone

85. [Ask if (Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes" OR Q94 c = "Yes" OR Q94 d = "Yes" OR Q94 f = "Yes" OR Q94 g = "Yes") AND Q95= "Yes"] Who did you talk to about these thoughts or actions? Mark all that apply.

		Spouse or significant other
		Parent or parental figure, sibling, or other family member
		Friend who is not in the military
		Military friend not in my chain of command
		Someone in my chain of command
		Mental health professional at a military facility (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, other mental health counselor)
		Civilian mental health professional at a civilian medical facility (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, other mental health counselor)
		General medical doctor at a military facility
		General medical doctor at a civilian facility
		Chaplain, pastor, rabbi, or other spiritual counselor
		Someone at a suicide helpline (e.g., Veterans Crisis Line/​Military Crisis Line, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
		Some other individual/​resource not listed above

86. [Ask if (Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes" OR Q94 c = "Yes" OR Q94 d = "Yes" OR Q94 f = "Yes" OR Q94 g = "Yes") AND Q95= "No, but I considered talking to someone"] If you were to talk with someone about these thoughts or actions, who would you talk to? Mark all that apply.

		Spouse or significant other
		Parent or parental figure, sibling, or other family member
		Friend who is not in the military
		Military friend not in my chain of command
		Someone in my chain of command
		Mental health professional at a military facility (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, other mental health counselor)
		Civilian mental health professional at a civilian medical facility (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, other mental health counselor)
		General medical doctor at a military facility
		General medical doctor at a civilian facility
		Chaplain, pastor, rabbi, or other spiritual counselor
		Someone at a suicide helpline (e.g., Veterans Crisis Line/​Military Crisis Line, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
		Some other individual/​resource not listed above

87. [Ask if (Q90 c = "Yes" OR Q90 d = "Yes" OR Q90 f = "Yes" OR Q90 g = "Yes" OR Q94 c = "Yes" OR Q94 d = "Yes" OR Q94 f = "Yes" OR Q94 g = "Yes") AND Q95 = "No, and I never considered talking to anyone"] You indicated that you did not talk to someone about your thoughts or attempts to kill yourself. Why did you choose not to talk to anyone? Mark all that apply.

		I did not know where to get help.
		I did not trust mental health professionals.
		It was difficult to arrange the time to talk to someone (e.g., child care issues, could not get time off from work).
		I was concerned it would cost too much money.
		I was embarrassed.
		I was concerned it might impact my security clearance (now or in the future).
		I thought my coworkers and/​or superiors would have less confidence in me if they found out.
		I was concerned it would negatively affect my career.
		I thought my friends and family would have less respect for me if they found out.
		I did not think my treatment would be kept confidential.
		I was concerned that any prescribed medications would have too many side effects.
		I would think less of myself if I could not handle it on my own.
		I received treatment or therapy previously and did not think it was effective.
		I did not want anyone to interfere.

88. What assurances do you think Service members need in order to seek help for their thoughts or attempts to kill themselves? Mark all that apply.

		Confidentiality
		Support from their peers
		Support from their chain of command
		Reassurance of no impact or limited potential impact on member's career
		Helping services with flexible or off-duty hours
		Other

89. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Individuals who need help with personal problems (e.g., relationship, financial) would not seek help because of… Mark one answer for each item.

	Strongly disagree
	Disagree
	Neither agree nor disagree
	Agree
	Strongly agree
	a. A negative impact to their career.
	b. Loss of privacy/​confidentiality.
	c. Fear of being perceived as “broken” by chain of command or peers.
	d. A situation that cannot be helped with the resources available.
	e. Not knowing who to turn to.
	f. Other

90. Suppose you felt trapped or stuck in a stressful situation. How likely or unlikely is it that you would use each of the following ways to deal with or cope with the situation? Mark one answer for each item.

	Very unlikely
	Unlikely
	Neither likely nor unlikely
	Likely
	Very likely
	a. Ignore the situation
	b. Avoid the situation
	c. Deal with the situation on your own to try and fix it
	d. Ask someone to help you try and fix the situation
	e. Seek out self-help resources via the Internet or books
	f. Use alcohol or another harmful substance to cope with the situation

91. How often do you receive suicide prevention training?

		More than once a year
		Once a year
		Once every 2 years
		Only at a professional military school
		I do not receive suicide prevention training

92. [Ask if Q102 = "More than once a year" OR Q102= "Once a year" OR Q102= "Once every 2 years" OR Q102= "Only at a professional military school"] How helpful was the suicide prevention training you received most recently in helping you recognize the following? Mark one answer for each item.

	Not at all helpful
	Slightly helpful
	Somewhat helpful
	Very helpful
	Extremely helpful
	a. Suicidal behavior in yourself
	b. Suicidal behavior in others

93. The suicide prevention training that would be most effective in preparing me to handle a possible suicide prevention situation is…

		Listening to a respected leader talk about an experience seeking help for suicidal thoughts or behavior
		Listening to a fellow Service member talk about an experience seeking help for suicidal thoughts or behavior
		Skills training on coping or problem-solving
		A lecture on suicide awareness (e.g., warning signs)
		PowerPoint presentation on suicide prevention
		Online webinar on suicide prevention
		Small group discussion

94. What is your level of knowledge of each of the following support services? Mark one answer for each item.

	I have never heard of this service.
	I have heard of this service, but I do not really know what it is.
	I have heard of this service, but I only superficially understand it.
	I know a lot about this service.
	a. Military Crisis Line (MCL)/​Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)
	b. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
	c. Military OneSource
	d. DSTRESS Line
	e. Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program
	f. Coast Guard SUPRT Program
	g. VA Mobile Vet Center

95. Suppose you found yourself in a situation where you thought you needed help with personal problems (e.g., relationship, financial). How likely or unlikely is it that you would use each of the following support services? Mark one answer for each item.

	Very unlikely
	Unlikely
	Neither likely nor unlikely
	Likely
	Very likely
	a. Military Crisis Line (MCL)/​Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)
	b. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
	c. Military OneSource
	d. DSTRESS Line
	e. Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program
	f. Coast Guard SUPRT Program
	g. VA Mobile Vet Center

96. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? Mark one answer for each item.

	Strongly disagree
	Disagree
	Neither agree nor disagree
	Agree
	Strongly agree
	a. Suicide is impulsive.
	b. Suicidal behavior is not hereditary.
	c. The majority of Service members who died by suicide did not have a mental illness.
	d. Talking about suicide with someone you are concerned about will not lead to or encourage his/​her suicide.
	e. Anyone can help individuals who are at risk for suicide, not only mental health professionals.
	f. The military suicide rate is comparable to the US general population, after accounting for differences in sex and age between the two populations.
	g. Deployment does not increase suicide risk for Service members.
	h. If you remove access to one lethal method of suicide, someone at risk for suicide will not replace it with another.
	i. Most military firearm deaths are a result of suicide as compared to combat, accident, or homicide.
	j. Storing a loaded firearm at home increases risk for dying by suicide four to six times.

97. In the past 12 months, did you know someone who has died by suicide?

		Yes
		No

98. [Ask if Q108= "Yes"] Did you receive suicide postvention support or counseling to help you with this loss from any of the following sources? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	No
	Yes
	a. Unit Commander or Leader
	b. Chaplain
	c. Casualty Assistance Officer
	d. Long-Term Casualty Support Coordinator
	e. First Responder
	f. Military Investigator
	g. Non-Clinical Provider (e.g., Military OneSource Counselor, MFLC)
	h. Suicide Prevention Program Manager

99. [Ask if Q108= "Yes" AND Q109a = "Yes"] How useful was the support or counseling you received from the... Mark one answer for each item.

	Not useful
	Somewhat useful
	Useful
	Very useful
	a. Unit Commander or Leader?
	b. Chaplain?
	c. Casualty Assistance Officer?
	d. Long-Term Casualty Support Coordinator?
	e. First Responder?
	f. Military Investigator?
	g. Non-Clinical Provider (e.g., Military OneSource Counselor, MFLC)?
	h. Suicide Prevention Program Manager?

100. Have you ever intentionally hurt yourself (e.g., cut or hit yourself) to relieve stress, feel better, get sympathy, or get something else to happen without any intention of killing yourself?

Yes

FOOD ASSISTANCE

The following are statements that people have made about their food situation.

101. How often were each of the following statements true for you and your household in the past 12 months—that is, since last [name of current month]? Mark one answer for each item.

	Don't know
	Often true
	Sometimes true
	Never true
	a. The food that I/​we bought just didn't last, and I/​we didn't have money to get more.
	b. I/​We couldn't afford to eat balanced meals.

102. In the past 12 months, since last [name of current month], did you or other adults in your household ever cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there was not enough money for food?

		Yes
		No
		Don't know

103. [Ask if Q113 = "Yes"] In the past 12 months, how often did you or other adults in your household cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there was not enough money for food?

		Almost every month
		Some months but not every month
		Only 1 or 2 months
		Don't know

104. In the past 12 months, did you ever eat less than you felt you should because there was not enough money for food?

		Yes
		No
		Don't know

105. In the past 12 months, were you ever hungry but did not eat because there was not enough money for food?

		Yes
		No
		Don't know

TAKING THE SURVEY

A “military survey” is defined as a survey regarding military topics (e.g., readiness, programs/​services, tempo, benefits).

106. Excluding this survey, how many military surveys have you been asked to complete in the past 12 months? To indicate none, select “0.” To indicate 10 or more, select “10.”

107. Thank you for participating in the survey. There are no more questions on this survey. If you have comments or concerns that you were not able to express in answering this survey, please enter them in the space provided. Your comments will be viewed and considered as policy deliberations take place. Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) in your comments. If OPA or its data collection contractor perceives comments as a direct threat to yourself or others, out of concern for your welfare, OPA may contact an office in your area for appropriate action. Your feedback is useful and appreciated.

108. [Ask if Q1 = "No, I separated or retired"] Based on your answer to the previous question, you are ineligible to take this survey. If you feel you have encountered this message in error, click the back arrow button and check your answer(s). To submit your answers, click Submit. For further help, please call our Survey Processing Center toll-free at 1-800-881-5307, e-mail [email protected], or send a fax to 1-763-268-3002.

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