Objective To investigate the status of diseases, training injuries, heat stroke, seasickness and mental health of soldiers in the islands of the South China Sea and to understand the healthcare demands and expectations of the soldiers, so as to improve their health service. Methods In this study a total of 318 soldiers from seven islands in the South China Sea were recruited using the random sampling method. The two-week disease prevalence rate, two-year training injury incidence, heat stroke, seasickness and psychological consultation situation were investigated by questionnaire survey. Results A total of 299 (94.03%) questionnaires were valid for analysis. The two-week prevalence rate of officers and soldiers was 36.12% (108/299) in the survey, the two-year training injury incidence was 53.51% (160/299), the heat stroke incidence was 22.41%(67/299), and the seasickness incidence was 75.92%(227/299) during military training. Also we found that 26.76% (80/299) soldiers had self-assessed mental illness in the present study. Conclusion As a special group of troops, soldiers stationed on the islands have higher healthcare needs and demands, and special efforts should be made to prevent and treat training injuries, infectious diseases, heat stroke and seasickness. Moreover, the mental illness of officers and soldiers in islands deserves greater attention.