Millennium Cohort Study
Dr. Rudy Rull, Principal Investigator

MCS was established in 2001 to address the long-term health and readiness of service members prior to the events of 9/11 and the subsequent large-scale military operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Participants of MCS enrolled while serving in the military and are surveyed every three years throughout their careers and post- service lives (through 2068), ensuring a long-term perspective on the impact of military service. Since the first panel of service members was enrolled in 2001, additional panels were enrolled in 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2020.

With over 260,000 dedicated study participants, MCS represents the largest and longest-running study of U.S. military personnel, spanning all branches and components. Over the past two decades, the study has conducted extensive research evaluating the impact of military service on force readiness, family resilience, and long-term health outcomes.

To learn more about the Millennium Cohort Study visit: https://www.millenniumcohort.org/

Millennium Cohort Family Study
Dr. Hope McMaster, Principal Investigator

MCFS launched in 2011 as part of the Millennium Cohort Program, and it remains the only ongoing DoD study dedicated to the well-being of military families. MCFS examines data from both service personnel and their spouses to assess how military life influences family stability, resilience, and long-term retention. Participants voluntarily complete a self-report survey every three years for up to 21 years, ensuring comprehensive tracking of family well-being throughout and beyond service life.

Understanding that military service has a lasting influence on families, MCFS follows spouses even if the service member separates or their marital status changes. The study began in 2011 with nearly 10,000 spouses and expanded in 2020 with an additional 18,000 participants, solidifying its role in shaping DoD family policy.

By analyzing responses from both spouses and service members, MCFS provides critical insights into the impact of military service on family resilience, retention, and force readiness. Additionally, it evaluates how family support structures contribute to the operational effectiveness and recovery of service members.

To learn more about the Millennium Cohort Family Study visit: https://familycohort.org/

Study of Adolescent Resilience
Dr. Hope McMaster, Principal Investigator

Recognizing the unique experiences and strengths of military-connected youth, the Department of Defense (DoD) identified the need for a research initiative focused on military family resilience and the next generation of potential service members. In 2021, SOAR was established by the DoD Office of Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) to determine how military life influences the well-being, education, and career aspirations of military-connected adolescents.

In 2022, SOAR began enrolling the 11- to 17-year-old children of parents in the Millennium Cohort Study of service members and veterans, representing all armed service branches, active duty, Reserve, and National Guard components. The SOAR survey collects information from parents and their children to identify factors that strengthen military family resilience and cultivate leadership potential among youth.

This study assists the Department of Defense in shaping strategic initiatives that support military families and provide resources to sustain and develop the next generation of warriors. SOAR also offers critical data to better understand the characteristics and future pathways of military- connected adolescents, who are historically twice as likely to serve in the Armed Forces.

To learn more about the Millennium Cohort Study of Adolescent Resilience visit: https://militarysoar.org/