• Angela Lamson, Natalie Richardson, and Erin Cobb.
• Human Development and Family Science (Medical Family Therapy doctoral program), East Carolina University, 235 Rivers West Mailstop 505, Greenville, NC.
• Mil Med. 2020 Jan 7; 185 (Suppl 1): 348-354.

IntroductionOver the past three decades, a growing research base has emerged around the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the biological, psychological, social, and relational health and development of children and adults. More recently, the role of ACEs has been researched with military service members. The purpose of this article was to provide a brief description of ACEs and an overview of the key tenets of the theory of toxic stress as well as a snapshot of ACEs and protective and compensatory experiences (PACEs) research with active duty personnel.MethodsNinety-seven active duty personnel completed the study including questions pertaining to demographics, adverse childhood experiences, adult adverse experiences, and PACEs survey.ResultsSignificant findings pertaining to ACEs and PACEs were found by service member's sex and rank, with higher ACE scores for men and enlisted service members.ConclusionsThe contrast by rank and sex in relation to ACEs punctuates the need for attention to ACEs and protective factors among early career service members in order to promote sustainable careers in the military.© Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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