Objective To investigate the schistosomiasis cognitive status of Armed Police Forces stationed near lakes so as to provide reference for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in the Armed Police Forces. Methods By stratified cluster sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted in Armed Police Forces in Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Jiangsu provinces. The survey involved demographic characteristics, knowledge of schistosomiasis prevention, attitude and contacting behavior with infected water. Results Among the 22 606 valid questionnaires, the total passing rate was 43.2%. The ≤20 year-old group accounted for 41.7%, 21-29 year-old group 45.1%, and ≥30 year-old group 42.1%. The passing rate among the officers and soldiers was 42.5% and 43.3%, respectively. Positive attitude made up 69.9%, and negative attitude 30.1%. There are several ways of infected water contact, they are mainly: vegefable watering 12 188(53.9%), flood fighting in the affected area 8139(36.0%). Conclusions The overall knowledge level of schistosomiasis prevention in the Armed Police Forces stationed near lakes needs to be improved. Better health education and behavior intervention are crucial to schistosomiasis prevention and control in the army.