Health, Wellness and Safety Resources for Military Contractors and Government Employees

Written by Staff Writer

Military contractors and government employees often serve in high-pressure roles that demand focus, resilience and adaptability. Whether deployed overseas, assigned to remote project sites or supporting critical civilian operations, these professionals face long hours, hazardous conditions and heavy, physical and mental demands.

Protecting health and prioritizing safety is essential, not only for personal well-being but also for operational readiness and long-term career success. Strong physical fitness, sound mental health and effective safety practices reduce the risk of injury, improve performance under stress and build resilience during and after assignments.

Healthy Living

A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone of resilience in demanding work environments. Nutrition, regular exercise and weight management directly affect energy levels, stress tolerance and overall performance. For military contractors and government employees, staying physically well reduces the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes while also lowering fatigue-related injury risks.

Healthy living goes beyond diet and exercise, though. It also includes creating balance in daily routines, prioritizing sleep and maintaining proactive health-care habits. When the body is strong and the mind is rested, individuals are better equipped to handle the challenges of fieldwork, long deployments and even office-based assignments.

• Keeping Employees Healthy: Workplace wellness programs can encourage people to adopt healthy habits on the job.
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Learn about government efforts to promote healthier eating habits.
• Government-Wide Solutions for Promoting Healthy Diets: The Government Accountability Office put together this assessment of how the federal government can address the problem of inadequate nutrition.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders, including the misuse of opioids, alcohol and tobacco, can pose serious risks to health, safety and mission effectiveness. The stressful, demanding nature of military and government work can increase vulnerability to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Left unaddressed, these challenges can compromise both individual performance and team safety.

Prevention begins with recognizing warning signs, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about seeking help. Confidential federal and military programs provide evidence-based treatment, counseling and ongoing support for those working to quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption or recover from opioid dependence. Early intervention protects both personal health and operational readiness.

• Preventing Substance Use in the Workplace: People in stressful occupations may be tempted to turn to illicit substances as a coping mechanism, but workplaces can implement preventive strategies.
• Understanding Opioids: Opioids are among the most commonly abused drugs.
• Find Treatment: The Department of Health and Human Services offers this locator tool to help people with substance use disorders find help.

Anomalous Health Incidents

Some U.S. personnel have reported unexplained medical conditions, often referred to as anomalous health incidents (AHIs) or "Havana Syndrome." Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, hearing loss, vision changes and difficulty concentrating. While research continues, rapid recognition and medical evaluation remain critical for safeguarding those affected.

Personnel working in sensitive or overseas environments should be aware of these symptoms and understand the procedures for reporting and accessing care. Federal agencies have created dedicated resources to investigate AHIs, provide medical support and guide supervisors in handling potential cases with discretion and care.

• What Is Havana Syndrome? Learn about this mysterious health condition from this American University article.
• What's the Real Cause of Havana Syndrome? The cause of AHIs is still unknown, but one suspect is a particularly annoying species of cricket.
• Anomalous Health Incidents and the Health Incident Response Task Force: This document outlines federal actions taken to better understand and address AHIs.
• Assessment of Anomalous Health Incidents: An assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence evaluates what is known so far about AHIs.

Brain Injury Awareness

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a well-documented concern for military personnel, contractors and government employees in high-risk environments. TBIs can result from blasts, falls, vehicle accidents or direct head trauma. Even mild TBIs, such as concussions, can lead to lasting complications if left untreated. Symptoms often include headaches, confusion, dizziness, mood changes and memory problems.

Raising awareness about TBIs ensures early recognition, timely treatment and appropriate rehabilitation. Access to specialized medical care and educational programs empowers individuals to safeguard cognitive health, return to duty safely and reduce the risk of long-term impairment.

• What Is a TBI? Get a scientific understanding of traumatic brain injuries by reading this resource from UMass Chan Medical School.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: A Silent Epidemic: Millions of people experience TBIs every year, and thousands of these are fatal.
• Hard Hat or Helmet? Choosing the Right Head Protection: For government workers and contractors on construction sites, complying with federal regulations for head protection is crucial.
• Fall Prevention Training: Avoiding falls on the job can help workers to avoid serious injuries, which is why government workers and contractors should have OSHA safety training.

Mental Health Awareness

Mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and burnout are common in military and government roles. Prolonged stress, exposure to traumatic events and the pressure to perform at high levels can take a toll on emotional well-being. Left unaddressed, these conditions may affect both personal quality of life and mission readiness.

Confidential mental health services, including counseling, crisis hotlines and stress management training, are widely available to contractors and government employees. Seeking help early builds resilience, supports recovery and ensures that individuals can remain focused and effective in their work.

• U.S. Office of Personnel Management Employee Assistance Programs: Federal employees have access to confidential counseling and support through EAPs.
• Mental Well-Being: This resource covers the basics of mental health for federal workers, including healthy ways to handle stress.
• Mental Health From a Military Perspective: Suicide is among the leading causes of death for military members, far surpassing combat deaths. And yet, in some units, stigma still prevents people from getting the help they need.

Pain Management

Chronic pain is another challenge for those working in demanding environments. Whether caused by injuries, repetitive strain or stress-related conditions, pain can interfere with daily function, sleep and long-term health.

Effective pain management often combines medical treatment with physical therapy, stress reduction and, when appropriate, safe use of prescribed medications. New approaches, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction and biofeedback, are also being used alongside traditional care to help individuals manage pain without compromising alertness or readiness.

• What Is Chronic Pain? Learn the basics about this persistent condition from the University of Rochester Medical Center.
• Coping With Chronic Pain: Pain can have many causes, and the treatments for it can vary widely.
• Chronic Pain: The Long Road to Discovery: Some people with chronic pain are utterly debilitated by this condition.

Warrior Care

Warrior care programs provide comprehensive support for service members and veterans recovering from illness or injury. These initiatives integrate physical rehabilitation, psychological counseling and vocational training to help individuals rebuild independence and confidence.

Recovery is rarely straightforward; it requires coordinated care that addresses both physical and emotional needs, along with programs that support reintegration into military or civilian life. Ensuring access to these resources allows injured or recovering personnel to regain strength, find new purpose and move forward with resilience.

• Supporting Wounded, Ill and Injured Marines: This guide was put together to help Marine Corps leaders to assist ill and injured Marines in their recovery.
• About the Wounded Warrior Project: Find out more about this nonprofit that works to help injured and ill veterans and military members.

Additional Resources for Military Personnel and Veterans

• Military Support Organizations: Learn more about organizations that support members of the military in a variety of ways.
• VA Resources and Support: Military veterans can access numerous services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• September 11th Victim Compensation Fund: Veterans who responded to Ground Zero can sign up for help with related medical costs.
• Military Contractor Safety Training: Get EM 385-1-1 OSHA safety training online to satisfy compliance requirements for government and military contractors and employees.