US military testing to save troops from brain injuries in blasts

WASHINGTON, D.C.: From new required testing and blast monitors to reshaping an explosive charge that reduces blowback on troops, the U.S. Military is developing new ways to better protect its soldiers from blast overpressure and evaluate their health risks.

"We have guys lining up to volunteer for these studies," retired Sgt. Maj. F. Bowling, a former special operations medic who now works as a contractor at the command, told The Associated Press. "This is extremely important to the community. They are very concerned about it."

The Defense Department lacks accurate data on the number of troops affected by blast overpressure, a condition more difficult to identify than traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

TBIs are well-known and remain a significant issue for combat forces, especially those exposed to missile strikes and nearby explosions.

According to the department's Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, over 20,000 service members were diagnosed with TBIs last year, and more than 500,000 since 2000.

Pentagon spokesperson Josh Wick highlighted emerging findings that link both acute blasts and repeated low-level exposures to adverse effects such as sleep disturbances, reduced cognitive abilities, headaches, and dizziness.

General Fenton emphasized that collaboration with academic, medical, and industry experts is advancing efforts to mitigate and treat blast overpressure. He also noted that cutting-edge technologies are critical in minimizing the effects of repeated exposures experienced by many service members.

At a remote Army special forces training area at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, commandos demonstrated the use of a Muchete breaching charge, designed to direct blasts more precisely while minimizing harmful shockwaves from explosions.

Special operations forces undergo rigorous training to perfect their skills for specific missions, often practicing door breaching dozens or even hundreds of times. This repeated exposure during training makes it the most common setting for such incidents, and commanders are seeking a clearer understanding of how these blasts impact each individual.

During the demonstration, several Army special forces soldiers wore small monitors or sensors to help leaders better assess the blast pressure troops were absorbing. The sensors allowed officials to compare data based on the soldiers' proximity to the explosion and how close they were to the blast.

The command is currently evaluating various blast sensors on the market, some of which are already being used by high-risk troops. Testing and studies are ongoing, and plans are to roll out these sensors across the force within the next few years.

To support this research, the Special Operations Command is considering more frequent testing throughout service members' careers, including a neurocognitive assessment conducted every three years. Additionally, officials want troops to undergo assessments following concussions or similar incidents.

During the demonstration, several Army special forces soldiers were wearing small monitors or sensors to help leaders better understand the level of blast pressure that troops were absorbing. The sensors allowed officials to compare readings based on where troops were standing and how close they were to the blast.

The command is evaluating several blast sensors on the market, and some high-risk troops are already using them. Testing and other studies are continuing, with the goal of deploying them across the force in the next couple of years.