What is the purpose of the 2024 DoD Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS)?
This survey assesses the health and health-related behaviors of service members that have
the potential to impact readiness. Results from scientific research using the data will be used
to monitor service members’ needs, develop policies, and improve health programs and services
for military members.
How long is the survey?
This survey takes about 20 minutes.
Who is doing this study?
The Department of Defense (DoD) asked the RAND Corporation and its data collection partner, Westat, to
conduct an independent, objective assessment of service members’ health status and health related behaviors.
Who is the RAND Corporation?
RAND is a private, nonprofit organization that conducts research and analysis to help improve public
policy and decision-making.
Who is Westat?
Westat is a leading consulting services and technology solutions firm and manages the technical
aspects of the web survey operations and can help you with any computer or technical problems.
Why did you pick me?
You were randomly selected from all Active-Duty and Coast Guard personnel to represent your
Service branch in this important research.
How did you get my name?
We obtained your name from the Defense Manpower Data Center [DMDC], which maintains DoD personnel
records. Because we are doing an official, approved DoD survey, DMDC was authorized to give us military
members’ names and contact information for research purposes only. We are just using your name to send
you information about the survey via email and mail. Only study staff will be able to link your survey
responses to your contact information via a unique survey ID code. The survey is confidential.
How will the survey findings be used?
RAND will report survey findings in a way that does not identify individuals to the Services, DoD,
or the public. The information you provide will be combined with that from other military personnel to
prepare statistical reports. At no time will your individual data be reported.
Why should I participate?
This is your chance to be heard on issues that directly affect the health, well-being, and readiness
of military members. The survey results will help inform DoD of potential health problems in the military
and help suggest ways to solve or prevent them.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes. As noted earlier, this survey is confidential. This means that RAND and Westat will not give
DoD information about who participated in the study, or provide your responses to them in a way that can
identify you. DoD has agreed to this condition to protect your privacy.
Can I complete the survey during duty hours/on a government computer?
Yes, you can use a computer at work to do the survey. You may also use a smartphone or tablet to
complete the survey.
Do I have to take the survey?
The survey is entirely voluntary. If you choose to take the survey, you may stop at any time. You
may also skip any question you do not wish to answer.
Did I already answer these questions in earlier DoD surveys?
Some service members may have completed surveys like this one in the past. This survey is conducted
approximately every three years to get a comprehensive update about the health behaviors of military members.
Since DoD wants to understand trends in members’ experiences in the Services, it is important that you
participate in the 2024 Survey to tell us about your current health.
What do I need to do to fill out the web survey?
You should go to the following website link: https://2024hrbs.com and use your unique code to log in.
If you have problems accessing the website, contact the Westat Help Desk listed above.
Do I have to complete the web survey in one sitting?
You may use the weblink above and your unique identification code to re-start the survey wherever you stop at a time that is more convenient for you.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns about the survey?
-
Call the Westat Survey Helpdesk for computer, technical, or survey questions:
by phone toll free at 855-703-6352 or by email at support@2024hrbs.com
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Contact RAND for questions about the overall study: Email: 2024HRBS@rand.org
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Questions about your rights as a participant in this study:
Contact RAND's Human Subjects Protection Committee toll-free at 1-866-697-5620 or by emailing
hspcinfo@rand.org. Please reference Study #2021-N0370.
What do I do if I experience any discomfort or distress from filling out the survey?
Some questions on the survey are sensitive in nature and it is possible that you may feel discomfort
in answering one or more of these items. If you are having any suicidal thoughts, please seek help
immediately. We encourage you to contact your unit’s chaplain or a mental health professional. Other
resources can be found below:
-
Military Crisis Line
(https://veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx)
can also provide confidential support and consultation if you feel distressed. They can be reached at 988 (then press 1), or text 838255. Live chat is also available via the Military Crisis Line website.
- In Europe, call: 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
- In the Pacific, call: 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
- In Southwest Asia, call: 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
-
Military OneSource
(https://www.militaryonesource.mil) is a free 24 hour
service that is available 7 days a week to provide a full range of services, across the deployment cycle, to military
personnel and their families, at no cost. They can be reached at Stateside CONUS: 1-800-342-9647 / Overseas: OCONUS
Universal Free Phone: 800-342-9647 or 703-253-7599 /
En Español llame al: 800-342-9647 / TTY/TDD: Dial 711 and then provide the toll-free number (1-800-342-9647).
Live chat is also available via the Military One Source website.
-
DoD Safe Helpline
(https://www.safehelpline.org/) provides worldwide live,
confidential support, 24/7. You can initiate a report and search for your nearest Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
(SARC). You can find links to Service-specific reporting resources and access information about the prevention of and
response to sexual assault on their website or by calling the hotline at 1-877-995-5247. Live chat is also available via the DoD Safe Helpline website.
Will I ever see the results of the survey?
Yes. When the survey results are available, an executive summary will be available.
