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Military Wellness

Military Wellness

CNAS has been conducting research on the issue of military wellness as a national security imperative since 2008. America’s national security, public health and economic resilience are inextricably linked to the ability of the United States to sustain and dignify a capable and ready all-volunteer force. In this sense, the wellness of veterans, service members and their families – the collective care, treatment and reintegration of those who have served and sacrificed – is a major matter of national security.

In April 2011, CNAS announced that it would expand its Military Wellness program in support of the White House's Joining Forces initiative. Joining Forces, spearheaded by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give U.S. service members, veterans and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. As President Obama stated in his remarks at the launch of the Joining Forces initiative: "The strength and the readiness of America’s military depends on the strength and readiness of our military families.  This is a matter of national security.  It’s not just the right thing to do; it also makes this country stronger."

Through a broad range of ongoing projects and programs in support of the Joining Forces initiative, CNAS hopes to make a lasting contribution to the way America cares for its veterans, military service members and their families. As the CNAS policy brief, America's Duty: The Imperative of a New Approach to Warrior and Veteran Care, declared, "warriors come home to communities, not to federal agencies."

For inquiries into CNAS' Joining Forces work, please email joiningforces@cnas.org.

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