Basic Military Training Research Articles

Health Literacy and Health-Related Habits among Conscripts in the Norwegian Armed Forces-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Although health information is widely available to the Norwegian population a lack of health literacy is still common and considered a public health challenge. However, there is limited information on the health literacy of the adolescent population in Norway. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess health literacy and self-reported health habits among soldiers in basic military training, both in field, camp, and home settings. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate which health habits characterize soldiers with inadequate health literacy. An electronic questionnaire was sent out to conscripts who completed first-time military service in 2022 and was answered by 2,225 conscripts. Descriptive statistics were performed using cross-tabulations, correlations, and chi-squared tests. The survey is part of an internal quality study of the Norwegian Armed Forces routines. It is approved by the Norwegian Armed Forces joint medical services. In the study population, 43% scored inadequate health literacy on the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-Q12 (HLS-Q12), and 57% scored adequate health literacy. We found a significant difference between those having inadequate and adequate HLS-Q12 scores in categories of self-rated health habits of oral health and diet with lower scores in the inadequate score group. The use of tobacco during field exercise in camp and at home was higher in the group of conscripts with adequate health literacy scores. The conscripts generally reported a lower standard of health habits during field exercises with significantly less brushing and flossing, higher use of tobacco products and higher consumption of energy drinks and sugary snacks compared to reported habits in camp and at home. The results from our study suggest that the conscripts in the Norwegian Armed Forces have a lower health literacy than the general population, and this is reflected in reported higher frequency of unhealthy habits in service settings than at home. The Armed Forces have an opportunity to take responsibility to optimize the health skills of their soldiers and to encourage them to make informed decisions about their own health. Improved adaptation to the national recommendations regarding nutrition, tobacco use, and oral health are areas having the potential to greatly improve the overall health habits of conscripts.

Multivitamin Compliance Reduces Injuries of Female Recruits at Air Force Basic Training: A Randomized Controlled Cohort Study.

Department of the Air Force basic military training (BMT) is the 7.5-week initial entry training for all enlisting U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruits. Overuse musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) during training threaten success in BMT, and trainees with nutritional deficiencies are at higher risk. Several efforts are made at BMT to mitigate these issues to help trainees graduate on time, such as the distribution of multivitamins (MVI) to female recruits. However, trainee compliance with the prescribed MVI has been reported to be low, calling into question the effectiveness of this intervention. This study evaluated the effect of briefing modality offered to these trainees at the time of distribution on educational effectiveness, MVI compliance, and injury rates. This was a randomized controlled cohort study of BMT female trainees. Subjects included all female trainees of a single iteration of BMT concurrently completing training within the same squadron. At the outset of training, cohorts were randomly educated in one of two ways regarding the provided MVI. The control cohort (n = 80) was presented with the standard educational video created by BMT-registered dietitians, while the test cohort (n = 79) was presented the video and then also briefed in-person by a group of subject matter experts. At the end of BMT, the trainees completed a questionnaire regarding their knowledge, confidence, and compliance with the MVI. Additionally, a routinely collected training database was queried and analyzed for differences in injuries and training outcomes using the chi-squared test with significance set to α ≤ 0.05. Although both cohorts found their educational presentation useful, the "in-person" cohort reported significantly higher compliance rates and were found to be diagnosed with MSKI and bone stress injuries at significantly lower rates (43% and 66% relative risk reductions, respectively). Education to female BMT trainees regarding the MVI, which included a face-to-face discussion with subject matter experts, resulted in greater compliance and reduced incidence of MSKI and bone stress injury, compared to a video prepared by registered dietitians alone. Such educational approaches should continue to be strived for in this and other military population health measures. This study's implication of MVI efficacy for injury risk reduction in female trainees should be further studied, verified, and improved upon in this and other populations.

Impact of 12 weeks of basic military training on testosterone and cortisol responses

IntroductionMilitary personnel train and operate in challenging multistressor environments, which can affect hormonal levels, and subsequently compromise performance and recovery. The aims of this project were to evaluate concentrations of...

Main historical stages in the field of physical culture and sports management (analysis of the past, present, future forecast)

The article substantiates the need for a theoretical analysis of the main historical stages in the field of industrial management. Attention is focused on the military–applied and professionally applied orientation of physical culture, which has been preserved for more than a century, including the present. In connection with the identified shortcomings, it is proposed to increase the number of hours for teaching basic military training in the form of a separate subject in grades 5–11, as was the case in Soviet secondary schools. Also, approval at the legislative level of the introduction of communicative and digital forms of industrial gymnastics in all organizations, regardless of the types of activities and organizational and legal forms of ownership, as it was during the existence of the Soviet Union. A structural unit of educational organizations is a boarding school with a sports profile, 24 hours a day, accepting children from the age of 7 at the expense of budget funding, as was the case in the USSR. This will make it possible to prepare a reserve for the national teams of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and the country in aesthetic sports, the specificity of which is early specialization. The resulting socio–economic and political circumstances in the early 1990s prompted the emergence of industry–specific sports management and many innovations. But time shows the need to study the past to avoid shortcomings in the present, to use the positive experience of continuity from the Soviet management of physical culture and sports for its application in modern Russia.

Accuracy, Acceptability, and Burden of an Integrated Screening Approach to Facilitate the Delivery of Tailored Sexual Assault Prevention in the U.S. Air Force

ABSTRACT This paper examines accuracy, acceptability, and respondent burden of integrated screening to facilitate tailored sexual assault (SA) prevention program delivery in a basic military training (BMT) environment. Trainees (n = 5,951) received tailored prevention content based on self-reported sex, sexual orientation, prior SA victimization and perpetration, and past-month post-traumatic stress symptoms. Bivariate analyses examined trainee-reported screener accuracy, acceptability, and burden, including differences by tailoring-targeted subgroups (e.g. men/women). Overall accuracy and acceptability were high (>90%) despite significant subgroup variability. Screening time averaged 10.55 (SD = 1.95) minutes; individuals with prior SA took longer. Missingness increased linearly throughout the screener. Integrated screening is an accurate, acceptable way to deploy tailored SA prevention in BMT. Findings inform data-driven screening improvements and novel applications.

Iron status is associated with tibial structure and vitamin D metabolites in healthy young men

The influence of iron on collagen synthesis and vitamin D metabolism has implications for bone health. This cross-sectional observational study investigated associations between markers of iron status and tibial structure, vitamin D metabolites, and circulating biochemical markers of bone metabolism in young healthy men. A total of 343 male British Army recruits participated (age 22 ± 3 y, height 1.77 ± 0.06 m, body mass 75.5 ± 10.1 kg). Circulating biochemical markers of iron status, vitamin D metabolites, and bone metabolism, and tibial structure and density by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans (HRpQCT) were measured in participants during week 1 of basic military training. Associations between markers of iron status and HRpQCT outcomes, bone metabolism, and vitamin D metabolites were tested, controlling for age, height, lean body mass, and childhood exercise volume. Higher ferritin was associated with higher total, trabecular, and cortical volumetric bone mineral density, trabecular volume, cortical area and thickness, stiffness, and failure load (all p ≤ 0.037). Higher soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was associated with lower trabecular number, and higher trabecular thickness and separation, cortical thickness, and cortical pore diameter (all p ≤ 0.033). Higher haemoglobin was associated with higher cortical thickness (p = 0.043). Higher ferritin was associated with lower βCTX, PINP, total 25(OH)D, and total 24,25(OH)2D, and higher 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D ratio (all p ≤ 0.029). Higher sTfR was associated with higher PINP, total 25(OH)D, and total 24,25(OH)2D (all p ≤ 0.025). The greater density, size, and strength of the tibia, and lower circulating concentrations of markers of bone resorption and formation with better iron stores (higher ferritin) are likely as a result of the direct role of iron in collagen synthesis.

Anthropomorphic and Physical Fitness Characteristics of United States Air Force Basic Military Training: Special Warfare Versus Nonspecial Warfare Recruits, Fiscal Year 2019-2023.

Each year, thousands of individuals enlist in the Department of the Air Force (DAF), with some seeking to become DAF Special Warfare (SW) candidates. This study aimed to compare the anthropomorphic and physical fitness characteristics between these groups during fiscal years (FYs) 2019-2023. The sample includes male candidates below the age of 30 who attended the DAF basic military training (BMT) from FY2019 to 2023 (N = 119,415). Initial physical fitness testing was conducted during week 1 of BMT. Physical fitness results, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were compared between the two cohorts. A two-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the effects of group (SWand non-SW) and FY on mean anthropomorphic and physical fitness test variables. Dependent variables were evaluated for homogeneity of variance using Levene's test and for normality using the Shapiro-Wilktest. The Tukey-Kramer test was employed for post hoc analyses with a threshold for statistical significance of α < 0.05. The cohort of SW recruits displayed superior physical fitness results across all FYs (p < 0.001) with the exception of FY2021. They were significantly taller and heavier, and had a higher BMI when compared to non-SW DAF BMT recruits (p < 0.001). Mean values for maximum push-ups and sit-ups for SW recruits were significantly lower in FY2021 (p < 0.001) and not significantly different from non-SW recruits. Additionally, run times for both SW- and non-SW-bound recruits during FY2022 and FY2023 were significantly slower than previous years. These findings can be used to establish a baseline for anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of incoming SW and non-SW DAF BMT recruits that may inform clinicians, human performance professionals, and military training leaders with information necessary to guide future research and physical fitness policy.

Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D Status Does Not Interfere with Improvements in Aerobic and Muscular Endurance in Conscripts during Basic Military Training.

Considering a lack of respective data, the primary objective of this study was to assess whether seasonal variation in vitamin D status (D-status) affects the extent of improvement in physical performance (PP) in conscripts during basic military training (BMT). D-status, PP and several blood parameters were measured repeatedly in conscripts whose 10-week BMT started in July (cohort S-C; n = 96) or in October (cohort A-C; n = 107). D-status during BMT was higher in S-C compared to A-C (overall serum 25(OH)D 61.4 ± 16.1 and 48.5 ± 20.7 nmol/L, respectively; p < 0.0001). Significant (p < 0.05) improvements in both aerobic and muscular endurance occurred in both cohorts during BMT. Pooled data of the two cohorts revealed a highly reliable (p = 0.000) but weak (R2 = 0.038-0.162) positive association between D-status and PP measures both at the beginning and end of BMT. However, further analysis showed that such a relationship occurred only in conscripts with insufficient or deficient D-status, but not in their vitamin D-sufficient companions. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in serum testosterone-to-cortisol ratio and decreases in ferritin levels occurred during BMT. In conclusion, a positive association exists between D-status and PP measures, but seasonal variation in D-status does not influence the extent of improvement in PP in conscripts during BMT.

The Impact of Military Tobacco Control Policy: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Introduction Tobacco use is synonymous with the military. Despite that military personnel are trained to follow commands, opportunities exist to implement various tobacco control strategies. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the impact of tobacco control policy employed in military settings. Materials and Methods We searched for published English articles in Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using relevant subject headings without year restriction. We included randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, case–control, cohort, controlled before and after, and uncontrolled before and after studies evaluating the impact of tobacco control policy in the military population. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, three independent reviewers independently screened initially identified articles, reviewed the full text, and extracted the data and any disagreements resolved by consensus after data recheck. Five reviewers used a validated tool to assess the quality of the included studies. The primary outcome was the reduction of any tobacco or nicotine-contained products (TNCPs) use among the troops. The impacts of the tobacco control policy were synthesized and analyzed qualitatively. This study is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42022314117). Results Fourteen studies were included in the analysis from 5372 studies screened. Most of the studies were from the USA, and fractions were from Thailand, France, and Taiwan. These studies were methodologically heterogeneous. Most studies employed a total ban policy on TNCP use during basic military training or operational deployment as the primary strategy. Other methods utilized were the brief tobacco intervention, targeted treatment, support, and counseling provided through telephone or mailing systems, the adjunctive behavioral intervention, providing free nicotine gum, the “Pharsai clinic”, active and regular smoking restriction, and interventions aimed at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels. There is a moderate quality of evidence that the tobacco control policies effectively reduced the prevalence of TNCP use, increased the cessation rate, reduced the intake, and lowered the dependency. The adjunctive interventions provided after the total ban on TNCP use may increase its effectiveness. However, findings from this review need to be carefully considered as the definition of TNCP use status was not universal between studies and lacked a biochemical validation procedure. Conclusions There is reasonable evidence to support that the tobacco control policy employed in the military population has multiple positive impacts in reducing the prevalence of TNCP use, increasing the cessation rates, reducing the intake, and lowering dependency. Other evidence-based strategies need to be fully utilized to materialize the tobacco endgame.

Strengthening Nationalism at the Indonesia-Malaysia Border Community through Civic Education, Case Study on Sebatik Island, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province

This study aims to know, analyze, and formulate the strengthening of nationalism for the border community on Sebatik Island, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province through citizenship education. Sebatik Island is one of Indonesia’s border areas located in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province, which is directly adjacent to Sabah, Malaysia. The development gap between the country’s border areas shapes the attitudes and behaviors of Sebatik border communities, who have the preference to use foreign currency, consume foreign products, and have dual citizenship. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The results showed that civic education in schools can contribute to strengthening nationalism through school-based civic education and community-based citizenship education which is carried out among others by lecture methods, socialization of national insight, habituation, field action, and involvement in basic military training organizations. The recommendations of this research can be used as a role model in strengthening the nationalism of Indonesian society, especially in border areas.&#x0D; Keywords: nationalism, border, Sebatik Island, civic education, citizenship education

УЧЕБНЫЕ ПРЕДМЕТЫ «ОСНОВЫ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ И ЗАЩИТЫ РОДИНЫ», «ТРУД (ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ)» В СИСТЕМЕ СРЕДСТВ УКРЕПЛЕНИЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО СУВЕРЕНИТЕТА СТРАНЫ

The article describes the structural and content features of the educational subjects “Fundamentals of security and defense of the Motherland” (successor of the subject “Fundamentals of Life Safety” with integration of the content of the subject “Basic military training”), and “Labor (Technology)” (successor of the subject “Technology”), which will be introduced into the educational process of Russian schools from September 1, 2024. Using specific examples, the author shows innovations in the federal work programs of these subjects, revealing their potential in the formation of schoolchildren’s ideological foundations and value guidelines, principles of morality and patriotism, the desire for systematic and creative work, professional self-determination and technological literacy.

Chronic Ankle Instability and Neuromuscular Performance in Prerecruitment Infantry Soldiers.

Ankle instability can describe various impairments, including perceived instability (PI), mechanical instability (MI), and recurrent sprains (RSs), alone or combined. To examine the prevalence of 8 ankle impairment subgroups and their effect on neuromuscular performance in prerecruitment combat soldiers. Cross-sectional study. Military infantry basic training base. A total of 364 infantry male combat soldiers entering basic training (aged 18-21 years). Participants were assessed for PI (via the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool), MI (using the Anterior Drawer Test and Medial Talar Tilt Test), and RSs (based on history) of their dominant and nondominant legs. Injuries were categorized in 8 subgroups: PI, RSs, PI + RSs, MI, PI + MI, MI + RSs, PI + MI + RSs, and none. Participants were screened for neuromuscular performance (dynamic postural balance, proprioceptive ability, hopping agility, and triceps surae muscle strength) during the first week of military basic training. For the dominant and nondominant legs, RSs were reported by 18.4% (n = 67) and 20.3% (n = 74) of the participants, respectively; PI was reported by 27.1% (n = 99) and 28.5% (n = 104) of the participants, respectively; and MI was seen in 9.9% (n = 36) and 8.5% (n = 31) of the participants, respectively. A 1-way analysis of variance showed differences in the mean proprioceptive ability scores (assessed using the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus) of all subgroups with impairments in both the dominant and nondominant legs (F = 6.943, η2 = 0.081, P < .001 and F = 7.871, η2 = 0.091, P < .001, respectively). Finally, differences were found in the mean muscle strength of subgroups with impairment in the nondominant leg (F = 4.884, η2 = 0.056, P = .001). A high prevalence of ankle impairments was identified among participants who exhibited reduced abilities in most neuromuscular assessments compared with those who did not have impairments. Moreover, participants with 1 impairment (PI, MI, or RSs) exhibited different neuromuscular performance deficits than those with >1 impairment.

군 조직에서 스트레스 관련 성장의 영향 요인

Much prior research has examined predictors of post-traumatic growth (PTG). However, less is known about information on predictors of stress-related growth (SRG). Thus, the current study aimed to examine the impacts of intra-personal factors (resilience, grit, distress tolerance) and organizational factors (organizational commitment, organizational identification) on SRG after military training. We used the data collected from 289 prospective cadets (men = 262, women = 27) who received basic military training for five weeks (mean age = 19.5 years). A hierarchical regression analysis showed that resilience was significantly associated with SRG, even after controlling the effect of perceived stress (β = .199, p &lt; .01). However, grit and distress tolerance did not have differential impacts on SRG. In the final model including organizational variables, resilience still remained as a significant predictor (β = .144, p &lt; .05). Organizational commitment (β = .447, p &lt; .001) and identification (β = .118, p &lt; .05) also showed positive impacts on SRG. These results imply that organizational commitment and identification as well as resilience as an intra-personal resource can be helpful for positive change after adversity in the military. Therefore, military leaders or policy makers should exert to improve soldiers' favorable attitudes or the sense of unity toward the military.

Views on an officer career - the relationship between personality, leadership expectations and perceived qualities.

The Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) have had difficulties in recruiting a sufficient amount of cadets to the officer program during the period with an all-volunteer force. Data were collected from different officer programs. 318 respondents fostered in the all-volunteer force (AVF) system completed the questionnaire and a cross-sectional design was used where cadets received a questionnaire at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of their training. The results show that the informants perceived a clear distinction between leadership challenges in the short and long term. The cadets rate their practical knowledge/experience and gaining trust as most challenging in the short term, and personnel supply and reorganization in the long term. Younger cadets rate leadership challenges higher than older cadets do, which is in line with maturing as a human being and gaining more experience. Results based on personality were consistent with previous studies. Two of the future challenges for cadets, short-term leadership and knowledge challenges, showed associations with extraversion and neuroticism. The results illustrate important topics to be stressed during the three year long officer program, in order to prepare cadets both with knowledge and skills but also with confidence and trust. This is of particular importance as the need to increase the number of cadets graduating from the academic officer program is growing. It implies that more and more cadets will be recruited directly from the basic military training, i.e., being young with relatively low military and leadership experience.

2317. The Impact of Universal versus Targeted Symptomatic COVID-19 Arrival Testing in Basic Military Trainees

Abstract Background The ideal strategy for COVID-19 testing upon arrival to a congregate setting is unknown. Basic Military Training (BMT) is 7.5 weeks long and service members live in groups of 35-50 individuals in open bay dorms for the entirety of their training. The United States Air Force BMT transitioned from universal arrival antigen testing to targeted symptomatic antigen testing on October 26, 2021. This study evaluates COVID-19 positivity rates in the first two weeks of BMT when trainees underwent universal testing vs targeted arrival testing. Methods All COVID positive trainees were identified from August 1, 2021-December 15, 2021. The risks of an individual as well as a training group developing a case on arrival or in the first fourteen days of training were compared between those who underwent universal arrival antigen testing (August 1-October 26) vs. targeted testing (October 26-December 15). A case cluster was considered if there were &amp;gt; 5 cases in one training group. Nominal variables were compared by Chi-squared analysis and continuous variables were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results During the study period, 13,384 trainees began BMT, and there were 690 (5.2%) cases of COVID-19 in the first two weeks of training. Regardless of testing strategy, there was no difference in trainees testing positive on arrival (1.4% vs. 1.3%, p=0.68). However, more trainees in the universal screening group tested positive on day 2-14 of training (3.9% vs. 2.8%, p= 0.002). When evaluating training groups, universally tested training groups did not have lower rates of developing a case cluster (33/271 (12.1%) vs. 6/104 (5.8%), p=0.09) as compared to targeted symptomatic testing, respectively. Conclusion In this large cohort during the COVID-19 Delta wave, targeted antigen testing was not associated with increased secondary cases of COVID-19 in a congregate setting. This study supports the feasibility of the use of targeted symptomatic testing for individuals entering congregate settings. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

What do you bring to the table? Exploring psychological attributes that predict successful military training

ABSTRACT The psychological characteristics that new recruits bring when starting military basic training (MBT) may help or hinder successful completion rates. The first part of this study explores how psychological characteristics assessed at the start of MBT influence retention and performance outcomes upon completion. At the start and upon completing MBT, a sample of 204 UK male Infantry recruits undergoing a 26-week Combat Infantryman’s Course were assessed on personality traits (psychoticism, neuroticism, and extroversion); a set of relevant cognitions (i.e. effortful control); motivation (i.e. internalization of military core values); and an assessment of mentally tough behavior. Recruits who successfully completed MBT were significantly higher in age, psychoticism, and mentally tough behavior. The second part of the study explored how MBT influenced these variables across time. A subsample of 132 male Infantry recruits that passed basic military training first time were analyzed. Across the 26-week course, there was a significant increase in extraversion, and a significant decrease in neuroticism, and external regulation. Results differed slightly when we removed the lowest passing group from the analysis and whether MANOVA or Logistic Regression analysis was used. Results indicate that what you bring to the table will influence pass and retention rates.

A Case-Control Analysis ofBone Stress Injury onAdvancement andHealth Care Utilization inUS Air Force Basic Military Trainees.

Every year, approximately 35,000 recruits enter the United States Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT). Musculoskeletal problems are particularly vexing for BMT because a broad array of differentials render definitive diagnosis burdensome and while most sufferers will fully recover, healing often requires protracted training delays resulting in increased unrecoverable training costs to the program. The purpose of this study is to conduct a case-control study of basic military trainees entering service from 2012 to 2015 to assess detectable differences in demographics, retention, and health care utilization. This is a retrospective case-control study of existing data and records obtained from existing and active information record systems for individuals who attended BMT between the years 2012 and 2015. Cohort assignment was based on incidence of first stress fracture diagnosis (i.e., having a select diagnosis code in one's medical record) relative to arrival at BMT. Health care utilization is operationalized as medical encounter frequencies and associated international classification of disease (ICD) codes occurring for all patients from BMT recruit date of arrival to 6 months post-graduation (i.e., 180 days). The primary dataset includes 132,359 distinct individuals, of which 129,637 (98%) had no history of stress fracture diagnosis and 1,487 (1%) of which have a diagnosis of stress fracture more than 60 days after arrival at BMT; these are assigned to the CONTROL group. There are 1,235 (0.9%) assigned to the CASE group. CASE members presented with 30.1 unique ICD-10 codes post-graduation compared to 6.3 in the CONTROL group. Six of the top thirteen ICD-10 codes were musculoskeletal in nature and all presented significantly higher rates for the CASE group. Trainees who suffered a bone stress injury (BSI) during the United States Air Force BMT advanced in rank on par with trainees who did not, but BSI sufferers exhibited greater health care utilization than those who did not suffer BSI. The cost to replace a trainee unable to complete BMT is considerable; however, it is also important to consider the reduction in resiliency and readiness to the Department of Defense and the financial burdens from increased health care utilization. The 2-fold increase in BSI presentation in the graduated control group reflects that more needs to be done for all populations to identify better proactive efforts to foundationally support wellness and prevention rather than accept injury as the status quo.

Utility of HR-pQCT in detecting training-induced changes in healthy adult bone morphology and microstructure.

Healthy bone adjusts its traits in an exceptionally coordinated, compensatory process. Recent advancements in skeletal imaging via High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (HR-pQCT) allows for the in vivo 3-dimensional and longitudinal quantification of bone density, microarchitecture, geometry, and parameters of mechanical strength in response to varying strain stimuli including those resulting from exercise or military training. Further, the voxel size of 61 microns has the potential to capture subtle changes in human bone in as little as 8 weeks. Given the typical time course of bone remodeling, short-term detection of skeletal changes in bone microstructure and morphology is indicative of adaptive bone formation, the deposition of new bone formation, uncoupled from prior resorption, that can occur at mechanistically advantageous regions. This review aims to synthesize existing training-induced HR-pQCT data in three distinct populations of healthy adults excluding disease states, pharmacological intervention and nutritional supplementation. Those included are: 1) military basic or officer training 2) general population and 3) non-osteoporotic aging. This review aims to further identify similarities and contrasts with prior modalities and cumulatively interpret results within the scope of bone functional adaptation.

Challenges faced by women military officers in the South African National Defence Force: A case study of the Hoedspruit Air Force Base, Limpopo

abstract The military has a deep-rooted masculine culture. One of the aspects of this masculinity, which is hegemonic in its cultural dominance, is the perspective on and perception of femininity. The masculine behaviour resents the weak; therefore, soldiers are trained not to complain or project any feminine traits, such as being caring and nurturing, or displaying ‘softness’). Soldiers need to be able to do without emotions like empathy or showing emotions of regret in order to be able to function appropriately as soldiers. Feminine attributes are looked upon as ‘weak’ or ‘soft’. For instance, attributes such as sensitivity and compassion are deemed to be in contrast to the military culture. This article aims to elucidate the challenges faced by women military officers in the South African National Defence Force in Limpopo Province. It does so by applying the liberal feminist theory. The researcher used feminist qualitative research methods and an exploratory research design, with snowball sampling used to identify 15 female officers for in-depth interviews (6 women) and a focus group discussion (9 women). Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that women military officers face challenges such as gendered discrimination, racial discrimination, vigorous basic military training, and exclusion from participation in decision making. There is still much need for improvement when it comes to addressing the challenges faced by women in the military.

The Effect of Lightweight Shoes on Air Force Basic Training Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Introduction/Purpose Bone stress injuries (BSI) are a leading medical diagnosis and cause of training disruptions and increased costs in US Air Force basic military training (BMT). Currently, as required by law, all trainees are issued athletic shoes upon arrival to BMT; however, the issued shoes are often disliked by trainees and are suspected of contributing to injury. This study investigated the effect of issuing shoes with lighter weight, lower heel-to-toe drop, and wider toe box than the standard-issue shoes to compare comfort, musculoskeletal injuries, and training outcomes. Methods In this blinded, randomized controlled product evaluation, trainees of a single BMT squadron were issued either the standard-issue shoes or a lighter-weight alternative; following completion of BMT, male and female cohorts were compared for differences in fitness assessment results, musculoskeletal injuries, and graduation delays using routinely collected databases. Associations between categorical variables were analyzed using a chi-square test with significance set to α ≤ 0.05. Results Among male trainees, issuing the lighter-weight shoe resulted in an absolute risk reduction of 6.05% (from 13.87% to 7.82%) and a relative risk reduction of 43.62% for BSI. Also, trainees who received the heavier standard-issue shoes noted the shoes to be “too uncomfortable to wear” at a significantly higher rate. Conclusion Issuing shoes with lighter weight, smaller heel-to-toe drop, and wider toe box appears to reduce the risk of BSI and shoe dissatisfaction among male BMT trainees; such shoe characteristics should be considered for use in populations engaging in similar physical training.