An Australian Defence Force (ADF) survey of about half of its 50,000 personnel who were serving last year shows a concerning rate of suicidal behaviour and post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD].

For the first time, the ADF has taken a close look at the mental health of serving personnel, with the results set to be released today.

The survey shows most of those surveyed have experienced an anxiety, mood or alcohol disorder at some stage in their lifetime - a figure significantly higher than in the Australian community as a whole.

The survey also shows the rate of suicidal behaviour is more than double that of the general community.

On his tour of Iraq, Ben Millman experienced traumatic bombings and shootings. The only psychological help he was offered was from an Army chaplain, and he was medically discharged in 2007.

"In those early years, I wished that I had a physical impairment because then people could have seen, people could have understood, but it was ... no-one can see your injury, no-one can see your pain," he said.

The ADF study says there is still no strong evidence that multiple deployments lead to mental illness, although it says symptoms accumulate with each deployment, meaning the greatest risk factor is the exposure to combat or trauma.

Vietnam veteran Moose Dunlop, who now runs treks for veterans who are mentally ill or traumatised, says the findings are no revelation.

Sorry, this audio has expired Listen to Simon Lauder's report

"What they're saying there in lots and lots of words is that the more big bangs, bullets pass you by, you see your friends injured, the higher the chances of your becoming damaged in some way," he said.

"That's pretty obvious, isn't it? That's a motherhood statement.

"When they come back and they are identified with [PTSD], although the military says that they will retain them, they often don't and they are discharged and become a problem for the community."

The report highlights stigma as a major risk to the ADF and says there is a clear need for targeted programs to respond to post-traumatic stress and depression.

Mental illness stigma

Mr Millman agrees stigma is the big problem. He says any measures to address metal illness in the Defence Force must target the right people.

"It's the people in the middle that are in the position to be able to help yet neglect the soldiers under the most.

"I think more sort of sub-unit commanders need to have more training. They're the ones that see these soldiers daily, the generals don't see them daily, the colonels, brigadiers, they don't see them daily."

Mr Millman says the landmark mental health study should be a wakeup call for the military.

He says young men's lives are at stake.

"I hope that no-one's case, no-one's problem has to be handled the way mine was.

In a written statement, Minister for Defence Personnel Warren Snowdon says the study has shaped a new strategy to manage the mental fitness of Defence Force personnel. It will be launched in Melbourne today.