Before the IRB will approve your study and before you may begin data collection, you must obtain the appropriate permission to conduct research. Most areas of the Department of Defense (DoD) have a formal permission process to request permission to conduct research. 

If  your study involves using military resources, recruiting through a branch of the military, collecting proprietary data, or using military records, permission from the appropriate branch of the military and potentially the DoD is required. These processes are complex, sometimes requiring multiple reviews.

It is highly encouraged that learners proposing a study involving military or VA personnel or records consult with the IRB Office as soon as possible to discuss the feasibility of the study.