Archive
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Military Disability System: Improved Monitoring Needed to Better Track and Manage Performance. GAO-12-676, August 28.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-676
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647592.pdf
2. Medicare Special Needs Plans: CMS Should Improve Information Available about Dual-Eligible Plans’ Performance. GAO-12-864, September 13.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-864
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648292.pdf
3. Waivers Related to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant. GAO-12-1028R, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1028R
4. Homeland Security: DHS Requires More Disciplined Investment Management to Help Meet Mission Needs. GAO-12-833, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-833
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648489.pdf
5. Human Capital: Complete Information and More Analyses Needed to Enhance DOD’s Civilian Senior Leader Strategic Workforce Plan. GAO-12-990R, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-990R
6. Next Generation Enterprise Network: Navy Implementing Revised Approach, but Improvement Needed in Mitigating Risks. GAO-12-956, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-956
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648567.pdf
7. Suspension and Debarment: DOD Has Active Referral Processes, but Action Needed to Promote Transparency. GAO-12-932, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-932
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648578.pdf
+ Testimony
1. Human Capital Management: Effectively Implementing Reforms and Closing Critical Skills Gaps Are Key to Addressing Federal Workforce Challenges, by Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, House Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-12-1023T, September 19.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1023T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648593.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Information Technology: Census Bureau Needs to Implement Key Management Practices. GAO-12-915, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-915
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648505.pdf
2. Information Sharing: DHS Has Demonstrated Leadership and Progress, but Additional Actions Could Help Sustain and Strengthen Efforts. GAO-12-809, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-809
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648476.pdf
3. Treasury Continues to Implement Its Oversight System for Addressing TARP Conflicts of Interest. GAO-12-984R, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-984R
4. Information Security: Better Implementation of Controls for Mobile Devices Should Be Encouraged. GAO-12-757, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-757
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648520.pdf
5. Veterans’ Health Care Budget: Better Labeling of Services and More Detailed Information Could Improve the Congressional Budget Justification. GAO-12-908, September 18.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-908
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648481.pdf
+ Reissue
1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Measuring Progress and Addressing Potential Privacy Concerns Would Facilitate Integration into the National Airspace System. GAO-12-981, September 14.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-981
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648349.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimonies
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Anthrax: DHS Faces Challenges in Validating Methods for Sample Collections and Analysis. GAO-12-488, July 31.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-488
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593194.pdf
2. Nuclear Nonproliferation: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Security of Radiological Sources at U.S. Medical Facilities. GAO-12-925, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-925
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647930.pdf
Podcast – http://www.gao.gov/multimedia/podcasts/647950
3. Federal Real Property Security: Interagency Security Committee Should Implement a Lessons-Learned Process. GAO-12-901, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-901
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647947.pdf
4. Veterans’ Reemployment Rights: Department of Labor and Office of Special Counsel Need to Take Additional Steps to Ensure Demonstration Project Data Integrity. GAO-12-860R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-860R
+ Testimonies
1. Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Is Taking Action to Better Manage Its Chemical Security Program, but It Is Too Early to Assess Results, by Cathleen A. Berrick, managing director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on the Environment and the Economy, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-12-567T, September 11.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-567T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648067.pdf
2. Maritime Security: Progress and Challenges 10 Years after the Maritime Transportation Security Act, by Stephen L. Caldwell, director, homeland Security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-12-1009T, September 11.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1009T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648000.pdf
3. Aviation Security: 9/11 Anniversary Observations on TSA’s Progress and Challenges in Strengthening Aviation Security, by Stephen M. Lord, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-12-1024T, September 11.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-1024T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647995.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Border Security: State Could Enhance Visa Fraud Prevention by Strategically Using Resources and Training. GAO-12-888, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-888
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647872.pdf
2. Defense Logistics: Space-Available Travel Challenges May Be Exacerbated If Eligibility Expands. GAO-12-924R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-924R
3. Defense Management: The Department of Defense’s Annual Corrosion Budget Report Does Not Include Some Required Information. GAO-12-823R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-823R
4. Federal Communications Commission: Regulatory Fee Process Needs to Be Updated. GAO-12-686, August 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-686
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593507.pdf
5. Federal Protective Service: Actions Needed to Assess Risk and Better Manage Contract Guards at Federal Facilities. GAO-12-739, August 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-739
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593510.pdf
6. Homeland Security: DHS Has Enhanced Procurement Oversight Efforts, but Needs to Update Guidance. GAO-12-947, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-947
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647866.pdf
7. Military Dependent Students: Better Oversight Needed to Improve Services for Children with Special Needs. GAO-12-680, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-680
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647846.pdf
8. Reemployment of Retirees: Six Agencies’ Use of Dual Compensation Waiver Authority is Limited. GAO-12-855R, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-855R
9. VA Disability Compensation: Actions Needed to Address Hurdles Facing Program Modernization. GAO-12-846, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-846
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647878.pdf
+ Testimony
1. Compact of Free Association: Proposed U.S. Assistance to Palau through Fiscal Year 2024. GAO-12-798T, September 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-798T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/650/647888.pdf
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
1. Home Energy Assistance for Low-Income Occupants of Manufactured Homes. GAO-12-848R, August 24.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-848R
2. Veterans Health Care: Veterans Health Administration Processes for Responding to Reported Adverse Events. GAO-12-827R, August 24.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-827R
3. Review of FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative as Mandated in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. GAO-12-996R, August 24.
http://www-dev.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-996R
The Health of Male Veterans and Nonveterans Aged 25–64: United States, 2007–2010
The Health of Male Veterans and Nonveterans Aged 25–64: United States, 2007–2010
Source: National Center for Health Statistics
A snapshot view of the health of nonelderly veterans reveals a mixed picture of their health and functioning. Overall, veterans aged 25–64 appear to be in poorer health than nonveterans, although not all differences in health are significant for all age groups. When age differences are examined, only veterans aged 45–54 are significantly more likely than nonveterans to report fair or poor health and serious psychological distress. Other health disadvantages for veterans (e.g., the prevalence of two or more chronic conditions) appear at age 45 and over. Differences in work limitations between veterans and nonveterans are seen beginning at age 35. However, the measures presented here do not reveal major health differences between male veterans and nonveterans aged 25–34.
The health differences that appear at older ages suggest that the effects of military service on health may appear later in life. Veterans also differ from nonveterans in some sociodemographic characteristics, and these characteristics may be related to observed differences in their health and functioning. Veterans are more likely to have health insurance, which may influence their access to health care and the likelihood of being diagnosed with various conditions.
The health measures presented here are not inclusive of all possible differences in health and functioning. Specifically, the measure of mental health in this report, although associated with anxiety disorders and depression, identifies only people with the most severe psychological distress (4–6). Other measures of mental health that capture a wider range of mental disorders might show more differences between veterans and nonveterans.
The sampling universe of NHIS does not include homeless people or the institutionalized population (e.g., people in long-term care facilities or in prison), which excludes some severely ill people (veterans and nonveterans) from our analysis. Addressing the problem of homelessness among veterans is a priority of the Veterans Administration (7).
This analysis is also limited in that it excludes certain other groups. The suffering of younger veterans returning from overseas with significant injuries and stress-related disorders is the focus of increased public attention. However, the number of veterans aged 18–24 included in NHIS was not large enough to support estimates for this age group. Although the percentage of women serving in the military has been steadily increasing, the relatively small numbers of female veterans also precluded their inclusion in this report.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Federal Buildings Fund: Improved Transparency and Long-term Plan Needed to Clarify Capital Funding Priorities. GAO-12-646, July 12.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-646
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592378.pdf
2. Medicaid: Providers in Three States with Unpaid Federal Taxes Received Over $6 Billion in Medicaid Reimbursements. GAO-12-857, July 27.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-857
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593096.pdf
3. Ownership by Minority, Female, and Disadvantaged Firms in the Pipeline Industry. GAO-12-896R, August 2.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-896R
4. Federal Fleets: Overall Increase in Number of Vehicles Masks That Some Agencies Decreased Their Fleets. GAO-12-780, August 2.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-780
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593248.pdf
5. Cancellation of the Army’s Autonomous Navigation System. GAO-12-851R, August 2.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-851R
6. Iraq and Afghanistan: State and DOD Should Ensure Interagency Acquisitions Are Effectively Managed and Comply with Fiscal Law. GAO-12-750, August 2.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-750
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593262.pdf
7. Secure Communities: Criminal Alien Removals Increased, but Technology Planning Improvements Needed. GAO-12-708, July 13.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-708
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592416.pdf
+ Testimony
1. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: Vulnerability to Fraud and Abuse Remains, by Richard J. Hillman, managing director, forensic audits and investigative service, before the Subcommittees on Economic Opportunity and Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. GAO-12-967T, August 2.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-967T
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimony
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Influenza Pandemic: Agencies Report Progress in Plans to Protect Federal Workers but Oversight Could Be Improved. GAO-12-748, July 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-748
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592990.pdf
2. Medicare: CMS Needs an Approach and a Reliable Cost Estimate for Removing Social Security Numbers from Medicare Cards. GAO-12-831, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-831
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593216.pdf
3. Medicaid Expansion: States’ Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. GAO-12-821, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-821
4. Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices: Multiple DOD Organizations are Developing Numerous Initiatives. GAO-12-861R, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-861R
5. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: Vulnerability to Fraud and Abuse Remains. GAO-12-697, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-697
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593237.pdf
6. Contingency Contracting: Agency Actions to Address Recommendations by the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. GAO-12-854R, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-854R
7. Ensuring Drug Quality in Global Health Programs. GAO-12-897R, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-897R
+ Related Product
Survey on States’ Implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (GAO-12-944SP, August 2012), an E-supplement to GAO-12-821. GAO-12-944SP, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-944SP
+ Testimony
1. Medicare: Action Needed to Remove Social Security Numbers from Medicare Cards, by Kathleen M. King, director, health care, and Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittees on Social Security and Health, House Committee on Ways and Means GAO-12-949T, August 1.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-949T
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimonies
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Thrift Savings Plan: Adding a Socially Responsible Index Fund Presents Challenges. GAO-12-664, June 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-664
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591880.pdf
2. Chief Acquisition Officers: Appointments Generally Conform to Legislative Requirements, but Agencies Need to Clearly Define Roles and Responsibilities. GAO-12-792, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-792
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593076.pdf
3. IMF: Planning for Use of Gold Sales Profits Under Way, but No Decision Made for Using a Portion of the Profits. GAO-12-766R, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-766R
4. Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle: DOD Is Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Its New Acquisition Strategy. GAO-12-822, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-822
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593049.pdf
5. Veterans Paralympics Program: Improved Reporting Needed to Ensure Grant Accountability. GAO-12-703, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-703
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593041.pdf
6. Electronic Health Records: Number and Characteristics of Providers Awarded Medicare Incentive Payments for 2011. GAO-12-778R, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-778R
7. Food Safety: FDA’s Food Advisory and Recall Process Needs Strengthening. GAO-12-589, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-589
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593032.pdf
8. Refugee Resettlement: Greater Consultation with Community Stakeholders Could Strengthen Program. GAO-12-729, July 25.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-729
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592977.pdf
9. Management Report: Improvements Are Needed to Strengthen the American Battle Monuments Commission’s Internal Controls and Accounting Procedures. GAO-12-830R, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-830R
+ Testimonies
1. Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Is Taking Action to Better Manage Its Chemical Security Program, but It Is Too Early to Assess Results, by Stephen L. Caldwell, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-12-515T, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-515T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593021.pdf
2. Combating Nuclear Smuggling: DHS has Developed Plans for Its Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, but Challenges Remain in Deploying Equipment, by David C. Maurer, director, homeland security and justice, and Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-12-941T, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-941T
3. DOD Civilian Workforce: Observations on DOD’s Efforts to Plan for Civilian Workforce Requirements, by Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Readiness, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-12-962T, July 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-962T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/593010.pdf
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment
Source: Institute of Medicine
Prior to the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, wars and conflicts have been characterized by such injuries as infectious diseases and catastrophic gunshot wounds. However, the signature injuries sustained by United States military personnel in these most recent conflicts are blast wounds and the psychiatric consequences to combat, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects an estimated 13 to 20 percent of U.S. service members who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. PTSD is triggered by a specific traumatic event – including combat – which leads to symptoms such as persistent re-experiencing of the event; emotional numbing or avoidance of thoughts, feelings, conversations, or places associated with the trauma; and hyperarousal, such as exaggerated startle responses or difficulty concentrating.
As the U.S. reduces its military involvement in the Middle East, the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) anticipate that increasing numbers of returning veterans will need PTSD services. As a result, Congress asked the DoD, in consultation with the VA, to sponsor an IOM study to assess both departments’ PTSD treatment programs and services. This first of two mandated reports examines some of the available programs to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate those who have PTSD and encourages further research that can help to improve PTSD care.
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations: Initial Assessment
Source: Institute of Medicine
Prior to the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, wars and conflicts have been characterized by such injuries as infectious diseases and catastrophic gunshot wounds. However, the signature injuries sustained by United States military personnel in these most recent conflicts are blast wounds and the psychiatric consequences to combat, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects an estimated 13 to 20 percent of U.S. service members who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. PTSD is triggered by a specific traumatic event – including combat – which leads to symptoms such as persistent re-experiencing of the event; emotional numbing or avoidance of thoughts, feelings, conversations, or places associated with the trauma; and hyperarousal, such as exaggerated startle responses or difficulty concentrating.
As the U.S. reduces its military involvement in the Middle East, the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) anticipate that increasing numbers of returning veterans will need PTSD services. As a result, Congress asked the DoD, in consultation with the VA, to sponsor an IOM study to assess both departments’ PTSD treatment programs and services. This first of two mandated reports examines some of the available programs to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate those who have PTSD and encourages further research that can help to improve PTSD care.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among US Veterans and Civilians by Race and Ethnicity
Health-Related Quality of Life Among US Veterans and Civilians by Race and Ethnicity
Source: Preventing Chronic Disease (CDC)
Introduction
Among veterans, having been selected into the military and having easy access to medical care during and after military service may reduce premature mortality but not morbidity from mental distress and may not improve health-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to determine whether veterans in different racial/ethnic groups differ in their health-related quality of life from each other and from their civilian counterparts.Methods
Among 800,000 respondents to the 2007–2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys, approximately 110,000 identified themselves as veterans and answered questions about their sociodemographic characteristics, self-rated health, and recent health-related quality of life. Nonoverlapping 95% confidence intervals of means distinguished veterans and civilians of different racial/ethnic groups.Results
Veteran and civilian American Indians/Alaska Natives reported more physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days, and recent activity limitation days than their veteran and civilian counterparts in other racial/ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic white veterans and Hispanic veterans reported more physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days, and recent activity limitation days than their civilian counterparts.Conclusion
Unlike findings in other studies, our findings show that veterans’ health-related quality of life differs from that of civilians both within the same racial/ethnic group and among different racial/ethnic groups. Because once-healthy soldiers may not be as healthy when they return to civilian life, assessing their health-related quality of life over time may identify those who need help to regain their health.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Veteran Homelessness: VA and HUD Are Working to Improve Data on Supportive Housing Program. GAO-12-726, June 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-726
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591905.pdf
2. VA/DOD Federal Health Care Center: Costly Information Technology Delays Continue and Evaluation Plan Lacking. GAO-12-669, June 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-669
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591897.pdf
3. DOD Financial Management: Improvements Needed in Prompt Payment Monitoring and Reporting. GAO-12-662R, June 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-662R
4. Supplemental Security Income: Better Management Oversight Needed for Children’s Benefits. GAO-12-497, June 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-497
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591873.pdf
+ Related Product
Supplemental Security Income: State Trends in Applications, Allowances, and Benefit Receipts for Children with Mental Impairments (GAO-12-498SP, June 2012), an E-supplement to GAO-12-497. GAO-12-498SP, June 26.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-498SP
Employment and enrollment of young male veterans in the 2007–2009 recession
Employment and enrollment of young male veterans in the 2007–2009 recession
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
In 2007, nearly 1.5 million veterans had served in the United States Armed Forces since September 2001. By the end of 2007, the United States began a long recession, in which young workers faced particularly large employment losses. The chart compares the employment, educational, and training experiences of young male veterans and nonveterans during the January 2008–June 2009 time period, which coincides with the recession that began in December 2007 and continued through June 2009.
Employment, college enrollment, and training of young male veterans and nonveterans during the recent recession
Employment, college enrollment, and training of young male veterans and nonveterans during the recent recession
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
In 2007, nearly 1.5 million veterans had served in the United States Armed Forces since September 2001.1 By the end of 2007, the United States began a long recession, in which young workers faced particularly large employment losses.2 This analysis focuses on labor market, educational, and training experiences of young male veterans and nonveterans during the January 2008-to-June 2009 time period. This period coincides with the recent recession that began in December 2007 and continued through June 2009.3
Data in this article are from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97). The NLSY97 is a nationally representative sample of 8,984 men and women, who were born in the years 1980 to 1984 and were living in the United States at the time of the initial survey. Survey participants were first interviewed in 1997 when they were ages 12 to 17 and have been interviewed annually. Survey participants turned 24 to 28 years old in 2008. Veterans in the analysis are defined as those who had served in the military and were not on active duty at any point during the January 2008-to-June 2009 period.4 Nonveterans are defined as those who never served in the military.
The NLSY97 includes detailed employment, schooling, and training histories, as well as a cognitive test score based on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).5 A summary percentile score created by NLS staff provides a math and verbal aptitude score similar to the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score used in the military to help determine enlistment qualifications.
Employing America’s Veterans: Perspectives from Businesses
Hiring veterans is good for business, according to a detailed study released today by two experts at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). In Employing America’s Veterans: Perspectives from Businesses, Dr. Margaret C. Harrell, CNAS’ Director of the Military, Veterans and Society Program, and Non-Resident Senior Fellow Nancy Berglass convey their findings based on extensive interviews of 87 representatives from 69 companies. The authors report that the companies articulated 10 reasons for hiring veterans, including leadership and teamwork skills, character, structure and discipline, expertise, effectiveness, and loyalty.But, they note, businesses also raised some challenges associated with hiring veterans, such as translating how skills learned in the military are useful in the civilian workplace, negative stereotypes and concerns about future deployments.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports
Source: Government Accountability Office
1. Veterans’ Health Care Budget: Transparency and Reliability of Some Estimates Supporting President’s Request Could Be Improved. GAO-12-689, June 11.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-689
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591498.pdf
2. Aviation Security: Actions Needed to Address Challenges and Potential Vulnerabilities Related to Securing Inbound Air Cargo. GAO-12-632, May 10.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-632
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590790.pdf
Uninsured Veterans and Family Members: Who Are They and Where Do They Live?
According to the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS), one in 10 of the nation’s 12.5 million nonelderly veterans reports neither having health insurance coverage nor using Veterans Affairs (VA) health care. While veterans are less likely than the rest of the nonelderly population to be uninsured, there are an estimated 1.3 million uninsured veterans nationwide. Another 0.9 million veterans use VA care, but have no other health insurance coverage. An additional 0.9 million adults and children in veterans’ families are uninsured. Both uninsured veterans and their family members report significantly less access to needed health care than their counterparts with insurance coverage.Compared with insured veterans, uninsured veterans have served more recently, are younger, have lower levels of education, are less likely to be married, and are less connected to the labor force—all of which could contribute to lower access to employer-sponsored coverage. Uninsurance among veterans ranges widely across states—from under 5 percent to over 17 percent—and state variation remains even when adjusting for veterans’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. States also vary in levels of uninsurance among veterans’ family members.The coverage provisions slated to be implemented under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, could increase coverage among the U.S. population, including many uninsured veterans. We estimate that nearly half of uninsured veterans would qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage. Another 40 percent of uninsured veterans could potentially qualify for subsidized coverage through health insurance exchanges if they do not have access to affordable employer coverage. However, when we classify states according to how much progress they have made toward implementing exchanges, we find higher rates of uninsurance among veterans in those states that have thus far made the least progress; nearly 40 percent of uninsured veterans and their family members live in these states. To the extent that the ACA can achieve dramatic reductions in uninsurance among veterans and their family members, success will depend on aggressive ACA implementation and enrollment efforts nationwide.
New From the GAO
New GAO Reports and Testimonies
Source: Government Accountability Office
+ Reports
1. Combating Terrorism: State Should Enhance Its Performance Measures for Assessing Efforts in Pakistan to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices. GAO-12-614, May 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-614
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590870.pdf
2. Veterans’ Pension Benefits: Improvements Needed to Ensure Only Qualified Veterans and Survivors Receive Benefits. GAO-12-540, May 15.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-540
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/590848.pdf
3. Force Structure: Improved Cost Information and Analysis Needed to Guide Overseas Military Posture Decisions. GAO-12-711, June 6.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-711
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591399.pdf
+ Testimonies
1. Afghanistan: USAID Oversight of Assistance Funds and Programs, by John P. Hutton, director, acquisition and sourcing management, and Charles Michael Johnson, Jr., director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Foreign Affairs. GAO-12-802T, June 6.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-802T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591394.pdf
2. Commercial Space Launch Act: Preliminary Information on Issues to Consider for Reauthorization, by Alicia Puente Cackley, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Space, and Aeronautics, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. GAO-12-767T, June 6.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-767T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591392.pdf
3. Disaster Recovery: Selected Themes for Effective Long-Term Recovery, by Stanley J. Czerwinski, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-12-813T, June 6.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-813T
Highlights – http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/591389.pdf
4. Veterans’ Pension Benefits: Improvements Needed to Ensure Only Qualified Veterans Receive Benefits, by Daniel Bertoni, director, eduction, workforce, and income security issues, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. GAO-12-784T, June 6.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-784T
Drugs of Last Resort? The Use of Polymyxins and Tigecycline at US Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, 2005–2010
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative pathogens are becoming increasingly prevalent around the globe. Polymyxins and tigecycline are among the few antibiotics available to treat infections with these bacteria but little is known about the frequency of their use. We therefore aimed to estimate the parenteral use of these two drugs in Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs) and to describe the pathogens associated with their administration. For this purpose we retrospectively analyzed barcode medication administration data of parenteral administrations of polymyxins and tigecycline in 127 acute-care VAMCs between October 2005 and September 2010. Overall, polymyxin and tigecycline use were relatively low at 0.8 days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient days (PD) and 1.6 DOT/1000PD, respectively. Use varied widely across facilities, but increased overall during the study period. Eight facilities accounted for three-quarters of all polymyxin use. The same statistic for tigecycline use was twenty-six VAMCs. There were 1,081 MDR or CR isolates during 747 hospitalizations associated with polymyxin use (1.4/hospitalization). For tigecycline these number were slightly lower: 671 MDR or CR isolates during 500 hospitalizations (1.3/hospitalization) (p = 0.06). An ecological correlation between the two antibiotics and combined CR and MDR Gram-negative isolates per 1000PD during the study period was also observed (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.55 polymyxin, r = 0.19 tigecycline). In summary, while polymyxin and tigecycline use is low in most VAMCs, there has been an increase over the study period. Polymyxin use in particular is associated with the presence of MDR Gram-negative pathogens and may be useful as a surveillance measure in the future.
