Injuries, Physical Fitness, and Body Mass Index in a Population of U.S. Army Reserve Personnel
Abstract Introduction US Army Reserve personnel are expected to meet the same fitness and readiness standards as their Active Duty counterparts, but little is known about health factors among Reservists. This investigation presents data on injuries, fitness and body mass index (BMI) for Reservists participating in a new health and fitness program. Methods Twenty-one US […]
Psychological Assessment for Military Selection: Past, Present and Future Applications
Abstract Psychological assessments for selecting military personnel have played a crucial role in enhancing training effectiveness, ensuring job success and, where possible, reducing mental health casualties in war zones. This article traces the development of psychological assessment for military selection through the World Wars to modern-day procedures. Two main themes emerge from this analysis: firstly, […]
Creative Engagement by Wounded, Injured or Ill Australian Defence Force Personnel
Abstract While there has long been an extensive range of medical, pharmaceutical, psychological, physiological, spiritual and physical programs available to ADF personnel seeking health assistance, allied health practices—particularly creative arts interventions—are still relatively new in the wellbeing context. The Australian Defence Force Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills Program (hereafter, ADF ARRTS) is an […]
Musculoskeletal Injury and Physical Fitness Across US Army Occupational Specialties
Abstract Background: Military occupations are widely diverse, requiring specific skill sets and physical demand levels to accomplish their objectives. Purpose: To describe musculoskeletal injury and physical fitness across US Army military occupational specialties (MOS). Methods: Demographics, health behaviours and physical training data were obtained by electronic survey. Musculoskeletal injuries and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) […]
Psychological Screening in the Australian Defence Force: An Historical and Contemporary Analysis of what Works
Abstract With a rapid and significant rise in psychological screening within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the past 20 years, ambiguity has developed between a psychological screen and a psychological assessment used for pre-employment and pre-deployment selection purposes. Additionally, confusion persists around what constitutes a mental health or psychology screen and when it should […]
Mauled by a Lion – How Spiritual Wounds and Injuries Present
Abstract The mauling that some veterans suffer as a result of issues such as shame, anger, self-abuse and depression are very real, lasting and painful aspects of their lives. For a Religious/Spiritual Practitioner (RSP), or indeed any treating practitioner, to make a meaningful contribution towards treating a Spiritual Wound and Injury (SW&I) they must determine […]
Should the Australian Defence Force Conduct a Drug Trial of Wakefulness-Promoting Medications?
Abstract Fatigue jeopardises soldiers’ lives, and despite caffeine being the approved wakefulness aid in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), its efficacy equals a placebo with unwanted side effects. The US Military uses modafinil as an alternative, but no ADF studies on modafinil exist. This article argues for exploring alternatives, ensuring consent and conducting willingness-to-participate studies […]
Use of a Health Monitoring System During a US Military Exercise During the COVID-19 Pandemic (April 2021): Participant Characteristics, Demographics and Differences in Participation
Abstract Background: Because of the close working environment, military personnel are exposed to respiratory disease, often greater than the civilian sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2021), an Oracle short message service (SMS)–based, mobile phone, daily COVID-19 health monitoring system was employed to monitor and protect the health of military members participating in a large-scale, […]
Dengue Epidemics During the Second World War in Queensland
Abstract: Although dengue became endemic in northern Australia in the 19th century, the enormous movement of people and material during World War II resulted in localised dengue epidemics in Queensland. Factors promoting the epidemics included mixing diverse civilian and military populations, including evacuees from tropical areas, and little focus on preventive measures until outbreaks occurred. […]
Bipolar Disorder in the Australian Defence Force: Estimating Prevalence from Defence Electronic Health System Records
Abstract Background and purpose: This study aimed to establish the treated prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (BD) in serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in light of a 2018 study of mental disorders in the ADF and Veteran population that found a surprisingly high 12-month prevalence rate. Method: A retrospective review of the Defence […]