Historically, what percentage of military hospital admissions has been from disease and non-battle injuries rather than combat injuries?

The assertion that more than 75% of military hospital admissions are due to disease and non-battle injuries rather than combat injuries is supported by historical data from various military conflicts. Throughout history, especially prior to the advancements in combat medicine and hygiene practices, diseases such as dysentery, typhoid fever, and other infections accounted for a significant portion of medical admissions in military hospitals.

In many conflicts, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was common for non-combat related ailments to outnumber battle injuries. The conditions in which soldiers lived, such as poor sanitation and limited access to medical care, contributed heavily to the prevalence of illnesses.

While combat injuries can be severe and high-profile, the sheer volume of cases related to disease and non-battle injuries often exceeds that from actual combat. For instance, in World War I and World War II, it was not uncommon for the number of troops incapacitated by illness to surpass those wounded in combat. This historical pattern highlights the importance of medical preparedness for non-combat situations, emphasizing that disease and non-battle injuries can pose significant risks to military personnel in the field.