In a study examining how survey items, including those concerning potentially morally injurious experiences (PMIEs), influenced the component structure of the United States Mental Health Advisory Team-Combat Experiences Scale (MHAT-CES), three previously established factors were found: dangerous environments, exposure to dead and injured people, and active combat. Unlike other studies where life threats were grouped with other factors, this study identified life threats as a separate component. The study's findings on the intersectionality of components differed from previous research due to variations in response categories, survey timing, and statistical factors.