Objective To investigate the effect of military training on the mental health of college students of different genders and cognitive styles.Methods A total of 168 new students from a Sichuan University were surveyed.The self-report Symptom Check List 90（SCL-90）was used to assess their psychological status

and the Embedded Figure Test（EFT）was used to evaluate their cognitive style.The mental health status was compared before and after military training in students of different genders and cognitive styles.Results The SCL-90 score was significantly higher before military training than that after training（31.40±24.32 vs.28.20±28.90;t=2.010

P<0.05）.In the field independent group

the SCL-90 score was significantly decreased after training

whereas in the field dependent group

the SCL-90 score was significantly increased after training（both P<0.05）.After military training

males in the field dependent group and females in the field independent group had significantly higher SCL-90 scores compared with those before training;while females in the field dependent group and males in the field independent group had significantly lower SCL-90 scores compared with those before training（all P<0.05）.After military training

the mean change from baseline in the domain of somatic factors in SCL-90 exceeded 15in all respondents.Conclusion Military training has varying effects on the mental health of college students of different genders and cognitive styles.It is suggested that according to the psychological status of new college students

certain mental health education programs be implemented during military training

which may improve both the physical and psychological well-being of students

making military training more scientific

more rational and more effective.