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pdf2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
AGENCY DISCLOSURE NOTICE
The public reporting burden for this collection of
information, 0704-XXXX, is estimated to average
15 minutes per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Send comments
regarding the burden estimate or burden reduction
suggestions to the Department of Defense,
Washington Headquarters Services, at [email protected]. Respondents should be
aware that notwithstanding any other provision of
law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for
failing to comply with a collection of information
if it does not display a currently valid OMB control
number.
In the following section, you will be asked questions about
your spouse's employment status in enough detail to ensure
comparability with national employment surveys.
5.
Yes
No
6.
No
7.
Were you on active duty on October 26, 2021?
No
No, I have separated or retired
8.
What is your current paygrade?
E-6
W-1
O-1/O-1E
E-2
E-7
W-2
O-2/O-2E
E-3
E-8
W-3
O-3/O-3E
Yes
E-4
E-9
W-4
O-4
No
W-5
O-5
O-6 or above
What is your marital status?
9.
[Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No" AND Q8 = "No"]
Last week, was your spouse temporarily absent
from a job or business?
Married
Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor
dispute, etc.
Separated
No
Divorced
Widowed
Never married
4.
[Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No"] Last week, did
your spouse do any work for pay or profit?
Mark “Yes” even if your spouse worked only 1
hour or helped without pay in a family business
or farm for 15 hours or more.
E-1
E-5
3.
[Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No"] Is your spouse
currently serving as a member of another type
of National Guard or Reserve unit (e.g., drilling
unit, Individual Mobilization Augmentee [IMA],
Individual Ready Reserve [IRR])?
Yes
Yes
2.
[Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
AND Q5 = "No"] Is your spouse currently
serving as a member of the National Guard or
Reserve in a full-time, active duty program
(AGR/FTS/AR)?
Yes
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.
[Ask if Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated"] Is
your spouse currently serving on active duty
(not a member of the National Guard or
Reserve)?
[Ask if Q3 = "Divorced" OR Q3 = "Widowed" OR
Q3 = "Never married"] Do you have a
significant other?
10. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No" AND Q8 = "No"
AND Q9 = "No"] Has your spouse been looking
for work during the last 4 weeks?
Yes
No
Yes
No
OPA
1
11. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No" AND Q8 = "No"
AND Q9 = "No" AND Q10 = "Yes"] Last week,
could your spouse have started a job if offered
one, or returned to work if recalled?
14. [Ask if Q13 = "Yes"] How many children or
other legal dependents do you have in the age
group specified below? To indicate none,
select “0.” To indicate nine or more, select “9.”
5 years and younger
Yes, my spouse could have gone to work
No, because of his/her temporary illness
No, because of state occupational licensing
barriers
6-13 years old
No, because child care was not available
No, because of other reasons (in school, etc.)
12. What is the highest degree or level of school or
training that you have completed? Mark the
one answer that describes the highest grade,
degree, or level of training that you have
completed.
12 years or less of school (no diploma)
14-18 years old
19-22 years old
23 years and older
High school graduate—traditional diploma
High school graduate—alternative diploma
(home school, GED, etc.)
Professional license, accreditation, or certificate
(e.g., fitness instructor, massage therapist,
electrician, welder)
Some college credit, but less than 1 year
1 or more years of college, no degree
Associate's degree (e.g., AA, AS)
Bachelor's degree (e.g., BA, AB, BS)
Master's, doctoral, or professional school
degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEd, MEng, MBA, MSW,
PhD, MD, JD, DVM, EdD)
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).
13. Do you have a child, children, or other legal
dependents based on the definition above?
Yes
No
15. Are you Spanish/Hispanic/Latino?
No, not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino
Yes, Mexican, Mexican-American, Chicano,
Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other Spanish/
Hispanic/Latino
16. What is your race? Mark one or more races to
indicate what race you consider yourself to be.
American Indian/Alaska Native
Asian (e.g., Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino,
Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese)
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (e.g.,
Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro)
White
17. Where is your permanent duty station
(homeport) located?
In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a
U.S. territory or possession
Europe (e.g., Germany, Italy, Belgium, United
Kingdom)
Former Soviet Union (e.g., Russia, Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan)
East Asia and Pacific (e.g., Australia, Japan,
Korea)
North Africa, Near East, or South Asia (e.g.,
Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Diego Garcia)
Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Djibouti, Kenya,
Liberia, South Africa)
Western Hemisphere (e.g., Cuba, Honduras,
Peru)
Other or not sure
2
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
18. [Ask if Q17 = "In one of the 50 states, D.C.,
Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession"]
Please select from the list below your
permanent duty station location (homeport)
within one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico,
or a U.S. territory or possession.
19. Where do you live at your permanent duty
station?
Aboard ship
Government-owned barracks, dorm, bachelor
quarters, or unaccompanied enlisted or officer
housing, on base
Government-owned family housing, on base
Very dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Satisfied
Very satisfied
e.
The quality of your
supervisor .............................................
21. Overall, how satisfied are you with the military
way of life?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Government-owned or leased family housing,
off base
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Privatized housing, on base, that you rent
Dissatisfied
Privatized housing, off base, that you rent
Very dissatisfied
Civilian/community housing, off base, that you
own or pay mortgage on
Civilian/community housing, off base, that you
rent
Other
[Ask if Q19 = "Other"] Please specify where
you live at your permanent duty station. Please
do not include any personally identifiable
information (e.g., names, addresses).
RETENTION
22. How many years of active duty service have
you completed (including enlisted, warrant
officer, and commissioned officer time)? To
indicate less than 1 year, enter “0”. To indicate
35 years or more, enter “35”.
Years
23. Suppose that you have to decide whether to
stay on active duty. Assuming you could stay,
how likely is it that you would choose to do so?
Very likely
SATISFACTION
Likely
20. Taking all things into consideration, how
satisfied are you, in general, with each of the
following aspects of being in the military?
Mark one answer for each item.
Neither likely nor unlikely
Unlikely
Very unlikely
Very dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Satisfied
Very satisfied
a.
b.
c.
d.
OPA
Your total compensation
(i.e., base pay,
allowances, and bonuses) ....................
The type of work you do in
your military job .....................................
Your opportunities for
promotion ..............................................
The quality of your
coworkers .............................................
24. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated")
OR (Q4 = "Yes")] Does your spouse or
significant other think you should stay on or
leave active duty?
Strongly favors staying
Somewhat favors staying
Has no opinion one way or the other
Somewhat favors leaving
Strongly favors leaving
3
25. Does your family think you should stay on or
leave active duty?
Strongly favors staying
Does not apply, retiring or otherwise ineligible
Somewhat favors staying
Very likely
Has no opinion one way or the other
Likely
Somewhat favors leaving
Neither likely nor unlikely
Strongly favors leaving
Unlikely
Responses from this question are used to determine levels of
personal, unit, and overall commitment. Please provide your
answer for each statement so that these three can be
assessed.
26. How much do you agree or disagree with each
of the following statements? Mark one answer
for each item.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
28. Have you ever made a Permanent Change of
Station (PCS) move?
Disagree
No
Strongly agree
c.
TEMPO
Yes
Agree
b.
Very unlikely
Strongly disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
a.
27. When you leave active duty, how likely is it that
you will join a National Guard or Reserve unit?
I enjoy serving in the
military. .................................................
Serving in the military is
consistent with my
personal goals. .....................................
I would feel guilty if I left
the military. ...........................................
Generally, on a day-to-day
basis, I am happy with my
life in the military. ..................................
I would have difficulty
finding a job if I left the
military. .................................................
If I left the military, I would
feel like I had let my
country down. .......................................
I continue to serve in the
military because leaving
would require
considerable sacrifice. ..........................
One of the problems with
leaving the military would
be the lack of available
alternatives. ..........................................
I am committed to making
the military my career. ..........................
29. [Ask if Q28 = "Yes"] How many months has it
been since your last PCS move? To indicate
less than one month, enter “0”. To indicate
more than 99 months, enter “99”.
Months
30. In the past 12 months, how many days have
you had to work longer than your normal duty
day (i.e., overtime)? To indicate none, enter
“0”.
Days
31. In the past 12 months, how many nights have
you been away from your permanent duty
station (homeport) because of your military
duties? To indicate none, enter “0”.
Nights
32. In the past 24 months, have you been deployed
longer than 30 consecutive days?
Yes
No
33. [Ask if Q32 = "Yes"] Are you currently on a
deployment that has lasted longer than 30
consecutive days?
Yes
No
4
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
34. [Ask if Q32 = "Yes" AND Q33 = "Yes"] Where
are you currently deployed?
In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a
U.S. territory or possession
37. What impact has time away (or lack thereof)
from your permanent duty station (homeport)
in the past 12 months had on your military
career intentions?
Afghanistan
Greatly increased your desire to stay
Iraq
Increased your desire to stay
Other North African, Near Eastern, or South
Asian country (e.g., Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi
Arabia, Diego Garcia)
Neither increased nor decreased your desire to
stay
Europe (e.g., Germany, Italy, Belgium, United
Kingdom)
Decreased your desire to stay
Greatly decreased your desire to stay
Former Soviet Union (e.g., Russia, Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan)
East Asia and Pacific (e.g., Australia, Japan,
Korea)
Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Djibouti, Kenya,
Liberia, South Africa)
Western Hemisphere (e.g., Cuba, Honduras,
Peru)
Other or not sure
35. [Ask if (Q32 = "Yes" AND Q33 = "Yes") AND
Q34 = "In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto
Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession"] Please
select from the list below your deployment
location within one of the 50 states, D.C.,
Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession.
[Ask if Q32 = "Yes" AND Q33 = "Yes" AND Q34
= "Other or not sure"] Please enter the name of
the country or installation where you are
currently deployed.
READINESS
38. Overall, how well prepared are you to perform
your wartime job?
Very well prepared
Well prepared
Neither well nor poorly prepared
Poorly prepared
Very poorly prepared
39. Overall, how well prepared is your unit to
perform its wartime mission?
Very well prepared
Well prepared
Neither well nor poorly prepared
Poorly prepared
Very poorly prepared
36. In the past 12 months, have you spent more or
less time away from your permanent duty
station (homeport) than you expected when
you first entered the military?
40. How well has your training prepared you to
perform your wartime job?
Very well
Well
Much more than expected
Neither well nor poorly
More than expected
Poorly
Neither more nor less than expected
Very poorly
Less than expected
Much less than expected
41. How well has your training prepared you to
perform your wartime job in support of joint
operations?
Very well
Well
Neither well nor poorly
Poorly
Very poorly
OPA
5
STRESS
MILITARY ONESOURCE
42. Overall, how would you rate the current level of
stress in your work life?
Much less than usual
45. In the past 12 months, have you used Military
OneSource in the following ways to obtain
confidential information or services? Mark
“Yes” or “No” for each item.
Less than usual
No
About the same as usual
Yes
More than usual
Much more than usual
43. Overall, how would you rate the current level of
stress in your personal life?
a.
Visited www.MilitaryOneSource.mil .....................
b.
c.
E-mailed Military OneSource ...............................
Talked to a Military OneSource consultant
on the phone ........................................................
Contacted Military OneSource to arrange
for face-to-face or telephonic counseling
session(s) ............................................................
Contacted Military OneSource to arrange
for video counseling session(s) ............................
Conducted online chat with Military
OneSource...........................................................
d.
Much less than usual
Less than usual
e.
About the same as usual
f.
More than usual
Much more than usual
44. In the past month, how often have you... Mark
one answer for each item.
46. [Ask if Q45 [MATCHING ITEM] = "Yes"] How
useful was/were... Mark one answer for each
item.
Not useful
Very often
Somewhat useful
Fairly often
Useful
Sometimes
Very useful
Almost never
Never
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
6
Felt nervous and
stressed? ..............................................
Felt that you were unable
to control the important
things in your life? .................................
Been upset because of
something that happened
unexpectedly? ......................................
Been angered because of
things that were outside of
your control? .........................................
Felt difficulties were piling
up so high that you could
not overcome them? .............................
Found that you could not
cope with all of the things
you had to do? ......................................
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
MilitaryOneSource.mil? .........................
E-mail communication with a
Military OneSource consultant? ............
Military OneSource consultant
on the phone? .......................................
Military OneSource face-to-face
or telephonic counseling
session(s)? ...........................................
Military OneSource video
counseling session(s)? .........................
Online chat with Military
OneSource?..........................................
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
DEPLOYMENTS IN PAST 5 YEARS
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 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), officially
began 1 Jan 2015 and includes missions to train Afghan
soldiers and conduct counterterrorism operations
against extremists in Afghanistan.
47. 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 Inherent Resolve
Operation Freedom's Sentinel
50. [Ask if (Q47 b = "Marked" OR Q47 c = "Marked"
OR Q47 d = "Marked" OR Q47 e = "Marked" OR
Q47 f = "Marked" OR Q47 g = "Marked" OR Q47
h = "Marked") AND Q49 = "Yes"] For your most
recent deployment, how many months have
you been or were you deployed to an area
where you drew imminent danger pay or hostile
fire pay? Include partial months. For example,
if you were deployed to a combat zone for 2
days, and those days were in different months,
enter “2”.
Months
51. [Ask if Q47 b = "Marked" OR Q47 c = "Marked"
OR Q47 d = "Marked" OR Q47 e = "Marked" OR
Q47 f = "Marked" OR Q47 g = "Marked" OR Q47
h = "Marked"] Were you involved in combat
operations?
Peacekeeping operation
Yes
Humanitarian operation
No
Military exercise or training
COVID-19 Response
Other
[Ask if Q47 h = "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 Q47 b = "Marked" OR Q47 c = "Marked"
OR Q47 d = "Marked" OR Q47 e = "Marked" OR
Q47 f = "Marked" OR Q47 g = "Marked" OR Q47
h = "Marked"] In the past 5 years, how many
times have you been deployed?
52. [Ask if Q33 = "Yes" AND (Q47 b = "Marked" OR
Q47 c = "Marked" OR Q47 d = "Marked" OR
Q47 e = "Marked" OR Q47 f = "Marked" OR Q47
g = "Marked" OR Q47 h = "Marked") AND Q49 =
"Yes"] 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 Q47 b = "Marked" OR Q47 c = "Marked"
OR Q47 d = "Marked" OR Q47 e = "Marked" OR
Q47 f = "Marked" OR Q47 g = "Marked" OR Q47
h = "Marked"] Were any of your deployments in
the past 5 years longer than you expected?
Yes
No
Times
49. [Ask if Q47 b = "Marked" OR Q47 c = "Marked"
OR Q47 d = "Marked" OR Q47 e = "Marked" OR
Q47 f = "Marked" OR Q47 g = "Marked" OR Q47
h = "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
OPA
7
FOOD ASSISTANCE
The following are statements that people have made about
their food situation.
54. 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.
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE MEASURE
(HRQOL)
59. Would you say that in general your health is...
Excellent?
Very good?
Good?
Don't know
Fair?
Often true
Poor?
Sometimes true
Never true
a.
b.
The food that I/we bought just
didn't last, and I/we didn't have
money to get more. ...............................
I/We couldn't afford to eat
balanced meals.....................................
55. 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?
60. Now thinking about your physical health, which
includes physical illness and injury, how many
days during the past 30 days was your health
not good? To indicate none, enter “0”.
Days
61. Now thinking about your mental health, which
includes stress, depression, and problems with
emotions, how many days during the past 30
days was your mental health not good? To
indicate none, enter “0”.
Days
Yes
No
Don't know
56. [Ask if Q55 = "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
57. 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
62. During the past 30 days, approximately how
many days did poor physical or mental health
keep you from doing your usual activities, such
as self-care, work, or recreation? To indicate
none, enter “0”.
Days
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING AND EDUCATION
63. 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
Don't know
58. 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
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OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
64. Compared to 12 months ago, is your financial
situation better, worse, or has it stayed the
same?
67. Which of the following activities do you do
routinely in order to manage your finances?
Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.
Much better
No
Somewhat better
Yes
Stayed the same
a.
Somewhat worse
Much worse
b.
65. [Ask if Q64 = "Much better" OR Q64 =
"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
c.
d.
Follow a monthly budget or spending plan ..........
Contribute to a savings account for
emergency savings or other savings goal ...........
e.
f.
Review your LES ................................................
Contribute to a retirement account (e.g.,
the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), IRA, 401(k)) ........
g.
Monitor your credit score/rating...........................
Yes
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Change related to your employment (e.g.,
new job, promotion) .............................................
Change related to your spouse's
employment (e.g., new job, promotion) ................
Change in your family situation (e.g., got
married or divorced, fewer children living
at home)...............................................................
Reduction in debt (e.g., paid off credit card
debt, student loan debt, other loans) ...................
Better financial management (e.g.,
received financial education, increased
savings, followed budget) ....................................
68. 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.
b.
66. [Ask if Q64 = "Much worse" OR Q64 =
"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
c.
d.
Yes
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
OPA
Change related to your employment (e.g.,
lost job, between jobs, could not find job) ............
Change related to your spouse's
employment (e.g., lost job, between jobs,
could not find job) ................................................
Change in your family situation (e.g., got
married or divorced, had a baby, provided
financial support for family) ..................................
Increased debt (e.g., unplanned
expenses, student loan deferment ended) ...........
Financial management problems (e.g.,
used savings, no budget) .....................................
Make short-term financial plans (e.g.,
renting a house, purchasing a vehicle,
saving for vacation, medical/dental/vision
expenses) ...........................................................
Make and/or monitor long-term financial
plans (e.g., home ownership, retirement,
insurance, children's college education) .............
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Military financial training, class, or seminar
(online or classroom) ..........................................
Military financial counseling (in-person, by
telephone, or virtually) .........................................
Unit leadership or financial specialist
within your unit (e.g., Command Financial
Specialist, Corporal for Financial Fitness,
Command Financial NCO) ..................................
Military aid society (e.g., Army Emergency
Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society,
Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual
Assistance) .........................................................
On-base financial institution (e.g., bank or
credit union) ........................................................
Online military resource(s) (e.g., Office of
Financial Readiness, Sen$e app, Military
OneSource, Service or installation
financial readiness program) ...............................
Off-base financial institution (e.g., bank or
credit union) ........................................................
Professional/certified financial counselor,
planner, or advisor outside of the military ...........
Family/friends/peers ............................................
Online non-military resources (e.g., online
search, blogs, articles) ........................................
9
69. Which of the following statements best
describes your (and your spouse's, if
applicable) saving or investment habits?
73. In the past 12 months, did any of the following
happen to you (and/or your spouse)? Mark
“Yes” or “No” for each item.
Unable to save or invest—usually spend more
than income
Unable to save or invest—usually spend about
as much as income
No
Yes
a.
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
b.
c.
70. 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.
c.
Saving for child(ren)'s education ..........................
Saving for a safety net/emergency
fund......................................................................
Paying off your education-related
loans (e.g., federal or private
student loans) ......................................................
Being free of debt, except for
mortgage .............................................................
d.
e.
f.
g.
Buying a home .....................................................
Saving for a major purchase (e.g.,
vehicle, vacation, household items) .....................
71. Which of the following options best describes
how you routinely pay credit card debt?
Pay credit card balance in full each month
Failed to make a monthly/minimum
payment on your credit card, including the
Military Star Card .................................................
Failed to make a rent or mortgage
payment ...............................................................
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.
i.
Filed for personal bankruptcy...............................
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..............
74. 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.
Pay more than minimum payment but not full
balance
No
Pay only minimum payment
I do not use credit cards
72. 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
Yes
a.
b.
Overdraft loan or line of credit ..............................
Overdraft protection from savings, credit
card, or another account ......................................
c.
Direct deposit advance loan.................................
d.
e.
Payday loan .........................................................
Vehicle title loan (a loan where you obtain
money by providing a vehicle title as
collateral) .............................................................
f.
Cash advance on a credit card ............................
g.
h.
Pawn loan ............................................................
Loan or grant from a military aid society
(e.g., Army Emergency Relief, NavyMarine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid
Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance)............
i.
Other loan obtained online ...................................
Between 1 and 3 months
Between 3 and 6 months
More than 6 months
I do not have an emergency savings fund
10
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
75. How well does each statement describe you or
your situation? Mark one answer for each item.
Completely
Very well
Somewhat
Less than $102
Don't know
Not at all
b.
c.
Because of my money
situation, I feel like I will
never have the things I
want in life. ............................................
I am just getting by
financially. .............................................
I am concerned that the
money I have, or will save,
won't last. ..............................................
79. 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
76. How often does each of the following
statements apply to you? Mark one answer for
each item.
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
a.
b.
More than $102
Exactly $102
Very little
a.
78. 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?
I have money left over at
the end of the month. ............................
My finances control my
life. ........................................................
77. 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 financialrelated topics. For each question or statement,
please select the BEST response. If you are
not sure about an answer, please select “Don't
know.”
Don't know
80. 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
81. 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
82. 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
OPA
11
83. 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
An active duty Service member who dies in the
line of duty
Both
Don't know
84. Which of the following does not impact your
credit score?
SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS AND
TRAINING
88. 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.
Paying bills on time
Checking your own credit score
The percentage of available credit used
Applying for new credit
89. Have you actually had any thoughts of killing
yourself during the following periods? Mark
“Yes” or “No” for each item.
Don't know
No
85. 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
86. 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.
Yes
a.
Ever in your life ....................................................
b.
Before joining the military.....................................
c.
Since joining the military ......................................
d.
e.
Within the past 12 months ...................................
Within 6 months before leaving for a
deployment or another mission ............................
f.
g.
During a deployment or another mission .............
Within 6 months after returning from a
deployment or another mission ............................
90. [Ask if Q89 a = "Yes" OR Q89 b = "Yes" OR Q89
c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR Q89 e = "Yes"
OR Q89 f = "Yes" OR Q89 g = "Yes"] Have you
thought about how you might kill yourself
during the following periods? Mark “Yes” or
“No” for each item.
No
True
False
Don't know
87. 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
Yes
a.
Ever in your life ....................................................
b.
Before joining the military.....................................
c.
Since joining the military ......................................
d.
e.
Within the past 12 months ...................................
Within 6 months before leaving for a
deployment or another mission ............................
f.
g.
During a deployment or another mission .............
Within 6 months after returning from a
deployment or another mission ............................
Don't know
12
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
91. [Ask if Q89 a = "Yes" OR Q89 b = "Yes" OR Q89
c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR Q89 e = "Yes"
OR Q89 f = "Yes" OR Q89 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
Ever in your life ....................................................
b.
Before joining the military.....................................
c.
Since joining the military ......................................
d.
e.
Within the past 12 months ...................................
Within 6 months before leaving for a
deployment or another mission ............................
f.
g.
During a deployment or another mission .............
Within 6 months after returning from a
deployment or another mission ............................
No, and I never considered talking to anyone
95. [Ask if (Q89 c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR
Q89 f = "Yes" OR Q89 g = "Yes" OR Q93 c =
"Yes" OR Q93 d = "Yes" OR Q93 f = "Yes" OR
Q93 g = "Yes") AND Q94 = "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
92. [Ask if Q89 a = "Yes" OR Q89 b = "Yes" OR Q89
c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR Q89 e = "Yes"
OR Q89 f = "Yes" OR Q89 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
Ever in your life ....................................................
b.
Before joining the military.....................................
c.
Since joining the military ......................................
d.
e.
Within the past 12 months ...................................
Within 6 months before leaving for a
deployment or another mission ............................
f.
g.
During a deployment or another mission .............
Within 6 months after returning from a
deployment or another mission ............................
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)
Yes
a.
Yes
No, but I considered talking to someone
Yes
a.
94. [Ask if Q89 c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR Q89
f = "Yes" OR Q89 g = "Yes" OR Q93 c = "Yes"
OR Q93 d = "Yes" OR Q93 f = "Yes" OR Q93 g =
"Yes"] Since joining the military, have you ever
talked to anyone about your thoughts or
attempts to kill yourself?
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
93. Did you make a suicide attempt during the
following periods? Mark “Yes” or “No” for
each item.
No
Yes
OPA
a.
Ever in your life ....................................................
b.
Before joining the military.....................................
c.
Since joining the military ......................................
d.
e.
Within the past 12 months ...................................
Within 6 months before leaving for a
deployment or another mission ............................
f.
g.
During a deployment or another mission .............
Within 6 months after returning from a
deployment or another mission ............................
13
96. [Ask if (Q89 c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR
Q89 f = "Yes" OR Q89 g = "Yes" OR Q93 c =
"Yes" OR Q93 d = "Yes" OR Q93 f = "Yes" OR
Q93 g = "Yes") AND Q94 = "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
97. [Ask if (Q89 c = "Yes" OR Q89 d = "Yes" OR
Q89 f = "Yes" OR Q89 g = "Yes" OR Q93 c =
"Yes" OR Q93 d = "Yes" OR Q93 f = "Yes" OR
Q93 g = "Yes") AND Q94 = "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.
Military friend not in my chain of command
It was difficult to arrange the time to talk to
someone (e.g., child care issues, could not get
time off from work).
Someone in my chain of command
I was concerned it would cost too much money.
Mental health professional at a military facility
(e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social
worker, other mental health counselor)
I was embarrassed.
Civilian mental health professional at a civilian
medical facility (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist,
clinical social worker, other mental health
counselor)
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.
General medical doctor at a military facility
I was concerned it would negatively affect my
career.
General medical doctor at a civilian facility
I thought my friends and family would have less
respect for me if they found out.
Chaplain, pastor, rabbi, or other spiritual
counselor
I did not think my treatment would be kept
confidential.
Someone at a suicide helpline (e.g., Veterans
Crisis Line/Military Crisis Line, National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline)
I was concerned that any prescribed
medications would have too many side effects.
Some other individual/resource not listed above
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.
98. 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
14
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
99. 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.
101. How often do you receive suicide prevention
training?
More than once a year
Once a year
Once every 2 years
Strongly disagree
Only at a professional military school
Disagree
I do not receive suicide prevention training
Neither agree nor disagree
102. [Ask if Q101 = "More than once a year" OR
Q101 = "Once a year" OR Q101 = "Once every 2
years" OR Q101 = "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.
Agree
Strongly agree
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
A negative impact to their
career....................................................
Loss of privacy/
confidentiality. .......................................
Fear of being perceived as
“broken” by chain of
command or peers. ...............................
A situation that cannot be
helped with the resources
available................................................
Not knowing who to turn
to. ..........................................................
Not at all helpful
Slightly helpful
Somewhat helpful
Very helpful
Extremely helpful
Other .....................................................
100. 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
a.
Suicidal behavior in
yourself .................................................
b.
Suicidal behavior in others ....................
103. 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.
Unlikely
I have heard of this service, but I do not really
know what it is.
Neither likely nor unlikely
I have heard of this service, but I only
superficially understand it.
Likely
Very likely
a.
Ignore the situation ...............................
a.
b.
c.
Avoid the situation ................................
Deal with the situation on
your own to try and fix it ........................
Ask someone to help you
try and fix the situation ..........................
Seek out self-help
resources via the Internet
or books ................................................
Use alcohol or another
harmful substance to cope
with the situation ...................................
b.
d.
e.
f.
OPA
I know a lot about this service.
Military Crisis Line (MCL)/
Veterans Crisis Line (VCL)....................
National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline ..................................................
c.
Military OneSource ...............................
d.
e.
DSTRESS Line .....................................
Military & Family Life
Counseling (MFLC) Program ................
f.
Coast Guard SUPRT Program ..............
g.
VA Mobile Vet Center ...........................
15
104. 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.
107. [Ask if Q105 = "Yes" AND Q106 a = "Yes"] How
useful was the support or counseling you
received from the... Mark one answer for each
item.
Not useful
Somewhat useful
Very unlikely
Useful
Unlikely
Very useful
Neither likely nor unlikely
Likely
Very likely
a.
b.
Military Crisis Line (MCL)/
Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) ...................
National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline ................................
c.
Military OneSource ...............................
d.
e.
DSTRESS Line .....................................
Military & Family Life
Counseling (MFLC)
Program ................................................
Coast Guard SUPRT
Program ................................................
f.
g.
a.
Unit Commander or Leader? ................
b.
Chaplain?..............................................
c.
d.
Casualty Assistance Officer? ................
Long-Term Casualty Support
Coordinator? .........................................
e.
First Responder? ..................................
f.
g.
Military Investigator? .............................
Non-Clinical Provider (e.g.,
Military OneSource Counselor,
MFLC)? .................................................
Suicide Prevention Program
Manager?..............................................
h.
VA Mobile Vet Center ...........................
105. In the past 12 months, did you know someone
who has died by suicide?
Yes
108. 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
No
No
106. [Ask if Q105 = "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
16
a.
Unit Commander or Leader .................................
b.
Chaplain ..............................................................
c.
Casualty Assistance Officer .................................
d.
Long-Term Casualty Support Coordinator ...........
e.
First Responder ...................................................
f.
g.
Military Investigator ..............................................
Non-Clinical Provider (e.g., Military
OneSource Counselor, MFLC) ............................
h.
Suicide Prevention Program Manager .................
TAKING THE SURVEY
A “military survey” is defined as a survey regarding military
topics (e.g., readiness, programs/services, tempo, benefits).
109. 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.”
OPA
2021 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members
110. 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.
111. [Ask if Q1 = "No, I have 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 Previous button and check
your answer(s). To submit your answers, click
the Submit button. For further help, please call
our Survey Processing Center toll-free at 1-800881-5307 or e-mail [email protected].
OPA
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OPA
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Modified | 2021-07-16 |
| File Created | 2021-07-16 |