Entry Training Research Articles

U.S. Army physical demands study: Accuracy of occupational physical assessment test classifications for combat arms soldiers.

Beginning in 2017, successfully passing the four-part pre-enlistment Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) became a requirement for all U.S. Army recruits. To ensure the test accurately identifies individuals who are qualified for their job, it was necessary to examine classification errors. The objectives were to 1) determine the accuracy of OPAT cut-scores for combat arms Soldiers, and 2) determine which events contribute to the individuals that are misclassified as passing or failing the OPATMETHODS:A total of 741 trainees were tested on the OPAT within two weeks of entering their initial entry training. At the end of their training, trainees were tested on simulations of the most physically demanding tasks of their job. There was a high classification concordance (76.5%) between success on the OPAT and job task simulations. False positives (6.7%) were misclassified because they did not perform as well on the strength-dominant task simulations. While the interval aerobic run was the greatest contributor to false negatives (16.8%), previous studies indicated high performance on this event as a potential key indicator of injury and attrition risk. The findings provide insight on how the accuracy of the OPAT, and similar pre-employment tests, could be improved.

U.S. Army Physical Demands Study: Differences in Physical Fitness and Occupational Task Performance Between Trainees and Active Duty Soldiers

Canino, MC, Foulis, SA, Zambraski, EJ, Cohen, BS, Redmond, JE, Hauret, KG, Frykman, PN, and Sharp, MA. U.S. Army Physical Demands Study: Differences in physical fitness and occupational task performance between trainees and active duty soldiers. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1864-1870, 2019-U.S. Army initial entry training (IET) is designed to prepare trainees for the military environment and subsequent training, including specific programs to increase physical fitness to perform job-specific tasks to the minimal acceptable performance standard (MAPS). The aim of this study was to compare physical fitness and occupational task performance of trainees at the end of IET to that of active duty soldiers. One hundred seventy-nine male combat arms trainees at the end of IET and 337 male combat arms active duty soldiers performed a sandbag carry (SBC), casualty drag (CD), and move under direct fire (MUF). Physical fitness was assessed using Army Physical Fitness Test scores. A questionnaire was administered to determine frequency of task performance. Active duty soldiers compared with trainees were older (p < 0.01) and performed more push-ups (p < 0.01) and sit-ups (p < 0.01). Trainees performed the 2-mile run faster (p < 0.01). Ninety-four percent of trainees and 99% of active duty soldiers performed the 3 tasks to the MAPSs. Active duty soldiers performed significantly faster on both the SBC (p < 0.01) and CD (p < 0.01) and reported a higher task frequency on the SBC (p = 0.03) and CD (p < 0.01). No difference in MUF performance (p = 0.16) and task frequency (p = 0.13) was detected. Initial entry training seems to provide sufficient physical training as most trainees were able to meet the MAPSs; however, performance differences were still apparent between trainees and active duty soldiers. Additional practice performing the physically demanding tasks may help maximize performance on the physically demanding job requirements.

Effects of Nutritional Supplementation on Body Composition and Bio-markers during Army Initial Entry Training

Effects of Nutritional Supplementation on Body Composition and Bio-markers during Army Initial Entry Training

Perceptions and Response to Conservative Treatment of Low Back Pain in Soldiers During Initial Entry Training: A Convergence Mixed Methods Study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition suffered by military personnel. Psychosocial factors play a role in LBP prognosis and can be addressed with self-management tools. This study's purpose was to (1) describe clinical changes in psychosocial factors of LBP following a self-management intervention and (2) explore the LBP experience of military trainees. Ten participants in Initial Entry Training (IET) were included in this mixed methods study. A self-management intervention of exercises and psychosocial education was provided. Quantitative instruments assessing psychosocial factors were delivered at baseline and 6 weeks. Qualitative data were gathered after treatment and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Low levels of psychosocial risk factors were reported. Patient satisfaction (COPM-Satisfaction subscale) was the only outcome that achieved statistical significance at 6 weeks (p = 0.037). Three themes emerged from the qualitative results: the influence of the military culture on recovery from LBP, the LBP experience of a trainee, and promoting the self-management of LBP. While this cohort of IET soldiers exhibited low levels of psychosocial risk factors, qualitative reports indicate that LBP has a negative impact on participation in training, academics, and interpersonal relationships. The constraints of military training make seeking care and applying treatment strategies challenging.

Professionalizing Criminal Investigation—An Examination of an Early Attempt to Support Specialization in Criminal Investigation

Abstract This article explores perceptions of individuals involved in an early attempt to professionalize detective work in Kent, UK. In 2000, Kent Police developed a Strategic Policing Doctrine incorporating a learning and development strategy. These ideas resulted in a partnership between Kent Police and Canterbury Christ Church University producing the Advanced Detective Training (ADT) programme including a university qualification, the BSc (Hons) in Applied Criminal Investigation delivered between 2001 and 2006. This research, conducted in 2016, used semi-structured interviews with 27 participants including: trainers, academic staff, students, and the Chief Constable. The research revealed that there were challenges in the selection of candidates, use of the term ‘advanced’ in the programme title and the abstraction of ADT trainees. A very high proportion of ADT officers valued the ‘training’ part of the programme with the majority valuing the ‘academic input’. This research provides a useful analysis of previous attempts to develop detective professionalization and accredited learning relevant for programme designers responding to the introduction of the Police Education Qualification Framework and direct entry and fast track detective training.

Surveyed Reasons for Not Seeking Medical Care Regarding Musculoskeletal Injury Symptoms in US Army Trainees.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) pose a significant threat to military readiness and are difficult to monitor due to Soldiers' reluctance to seek medical treatment. There is high risk of developing MSKIs while going through initial entry training (IET), many of which go unreported. The purposes of this study were to identify the contributing factors that influence US Army trainees to not seek medical care for self-reported symptoms of musculoskeletal injury (SMSKI) and establish how those factors may differ by sex, training school, and installation site. Data were collected from 739 trainees (607 males, 132 females) completing IET at either Fort Benning, GA, Fort Sill, OK or Fort Leonard-Wood, MO, USA. Male trainees were in combat arms jobs while female trainees were from both combat arms and other physically demanding jobs. All surveys were completed within 5 weeks of graduation from Advanced Individual Training and One Station Unit Training. Trainees answered a series of questions about SMSKIs sustained during IET that lasted seven or more days. Using a Likert-type scale (1-strongly disagree through 5-strongly agree), trainees rated the influence that each of the following seven statements contributed to their decision not to seek medical care: "graduating on time," "avoiding negative perceptions associated with injuries," "avoiding profile," "inconvenience in seeing a provider," "self-managing the injury based on past experience," "severity of the injury," and "prior negative experiences seeking medical care in the military." Pearson's Chi-square test was used to assess significant relationships among SMSKI reporting across sex, training school and training installation. Overall, SMSKI incidence was 36.1% and 58.3% among IET male and female trainees, respectively (40% overall). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of all trainees injured during IET had a SMSKI that they did not report to leadership or a medical provider. Across sex, female trainees were more likely to report SMSKIs than male trainees (p < 0.01), but there was no difference in SMSKI reporting rates by sex (p = 0.48). There was a difference in SMSKI rates by training school (p < 0.01), where infantry had higher SMSKI rates than field artillery (p < 0.01). There were no differences across training schools in how often trainees sought medical care (p = 0.58). The most common reasons selected for not reporting SMSKIs (i.e., not seeking medical care) included "I wanted to graduate on time" and "I wanted to avoid a profile." "I had prior negative experiences seeking medical care in the military" was consistently rated as the least important reason. Female trainees were more likely to not report SMSKIs in order "to avoid a profile" than male trainees (p < 0.05). Over 64% of trainees' did not seek medical care for their SMSKI during IET. As early detection, better reporting and timely treatment may result in reductions in SMSKI severity, reduced IET attrition, and lower medical expenses, trainees should be encouraged to report SMSKIs for proper early stage treatment. These study findings could be used to assist military leadership to create a positive environment for reporting and seeking care for SMSKIs.

Response to and Perceptions of Low Back Pain Treatment in Initial Entry Training Soldiers: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract Date Presented 4/20/2018 This mixed methods study explored the experience of low back pain (LBP) and effects of a self-management intervention for active duty service members in Initial Entry Training. Satisfaction with occupational performance increased significantly; levels of psychosocial risk factors remained low. Primary Author and Speaker: Enrique V. Smith-Forbes. Contributing Authors: Cortney M. Schoonover, Dan I. Rhon

Assessment of confined space entry and rescue training for aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) members in the United States

IntroductionFire and emergency service workers, including Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting members, may be called on to perform confined space entry and rescue operations. The purpose of the present study was to develop a comprehensive and valid understanding of the present state of confined space entry and rescue training effectiveness and resultant compliance or use of best practices among trained Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel. MethodThe study used a convergent, parallel mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data (n = 20) were collected via semi-structured interviews at four locations. Data were coded, analyzed and super-ordinate and sub-ordinate themes were derived. Quantitative data (n = 158) from Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting members were analyzed. ResultsInterviewees believed there is a lack of standardization in training, but believed training should not be completed in the same format every time. Several participants (50%) desired more realistic training. Other concerns were associated with staffing, personal readiness, and resource adequacy. With regard to survey outcomes, most respondents reported that their organizations completed confined space training (69.8%), but only 55.3% indicated this training was conducted as a full-scale exercise and nearly 40% indicated that rescue practice was not performed despite standards mandating annual rescue practice. Following training, 55.4% indicated training evaluation information was not presented. ConclusionsParticipants mostly agreed their training effectively addressed OSHA requirements, such as how to test the atmosphere, the need for and use of personal protective equipment, how to identify pertinent permit information and methods to retrieve victims in limited space. Some gaps exist between current training practices and established training requirements and standards. Practical applicationsAircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting organizations need to bolster aspects of their training, particularly with regard to standardizing training efforts, practicing rescues, providing evaluation feedback and written materials and providing adequate resources.

The Impact of Continuous Training on Maximizing Efficiency in Tax Administration: The Case of a State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) in the North Central Region of Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to establish the role of continuous training in maximizing efficiency in tax administration using the case of a State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) in the North Central Region of Nigeria. The study examined the strategies adopted for continuous training by the SIRS and subsequently measured the impact of these strategies on the performance of all levels of management (low, middle and top) of the SIRS under focus.&#x0D; The SIRS identified the need for training from its inception and built into its process the entry training programme (of 3 months) for all staff, the monthly field feedback and training (of a day monthly) for all staff, directorates’ regular technical training, professional trainings, and leadership and management trainings (both local and international). These schedule five stage trainings have become a closely knitted continuous training strategy that has improved the skills and capacities of the employees of the SIRS. To ascertain the extent to which the above have impacted on the employees, the SWOT Analysis was adopted along with the appraisal of five set of questionnaires applied to 642 staff of the SIRS present at a particular month field feedback session.&#x0D; &#x0D; The five set of questionnaires were designed to measure; (1) the state of change readiness of employees of the SIRS for service excellence, (2) the state of change thinking of employees of the SIRS for service excellence, (3) the state of resistance to change by the employees of the SIRS, (4) the state of resistance to going through the process of change by the employees of the SIRS, and (5) the state of resistance to leaving the current state for the desired state of excellence. All these are targeted towards measuring the state of readiness for change, through continuous training, on the employees’ commitment, efficiency and performance. The above is in addition to the analysis of the individual strengths and weaknesses that culminates in the organizational strengths and weaknesses, including the environmental opportunities and threats which have a significant role to play on the organizational performance. &#x0D; The findings revealed that between 73 - 87 percent of the staff of the SIRS are change ready, with positive change thinking mentality, not resistant to change, not resistant to going through the change process, and are not resistant to leaving the current state for the desired state of excellence. Ultimately, the study concludes that there is a positive relationship between continuous training, and employee commitment and job satisfaction, on the one hand, and continuous training and performance excellence as relating to efficiency and effectiveness in tax administration, on the other hand.&#x0D; &#x0D; This study is a pioneer one that extends the employee commitment debate to the Internal Revenue Service, using this SIRS as a case study. It provides an explanation, with empirical evidence, by demonstrating that training extends direct positive effect on employee commitment in revenue administration. The study also demonstrates that, in the revenue administration, job satisfaction helps to transmit the effect of continuous training on employee commitment and performance excellence.

Harnessing Inertia to Improve Army Enlisted Service Length: A Case for Opt-Out Enlistment Contracts

Army recruiting, initial entry training, and retention enterprises consume tremendous manpower resources and become disproportionately more expensive and challenging as the size of the Army increases. Fortunately, empirical evidence suggests that the Army could readily improve enlisted continuation rates by changing enlistment contracts from its present form, requiring soldiers to reenlist or opt-in to continue service, to open-ended enlistment contracts that require soldiers to opt-out of service upon fulfilling their service obligations. Changing enlistment contracts to an opt-out paradigm—similar to how officer populations are currently managed—could greatly increase the number of soldiers who continue service past their initial enlistment obligation. Improved continuation rates could save the Army hundreds of millions in recruiting and reenlistment incentives, as well as freeing thousands of Non-Commissioned Officers serving as recruiters, drill sergeants, and retention specialist to support other operational requirements.

Teacher training and development in the United States

This report attempts to offer fundamentals in teacher training and development in the United States. The report is structured around the following five components designed in the form of questionnaires: (1) Teacher education programs which involve entry requirements, training curriculum, and exit standards; (2) teacher certification requirements; (3) teacher recruitment requirements; (4) continuing education and support for beginning teachers; and (5) providers and governance of teacher education and certification. One of the most striking findings is that while entry requirements for teacher education are flexible, if not downplaying, across the states, the curriculum places a particular focus on the subject area content courses and, more importantly, on coursework in education and pedagogical skills, together with a long period of in-school student teaching, as prerequisites for graduation. Let alone such practice-based exit requirements, the quality of prospective teachers is checked upon by teacher licensure testing and further empowered by regular induction programs and professional development with an ultimate goal of meeting the eleven professional standards for teachers. With these, the report reveals systematic differences in the practices of teacher education programs, certification, and professional development, among other things, in the United States as compared with those in Vietnam. Thus, it may leave some room for consideration.

Injury Surveillance and Reporting for Trainees with Bone Stress Injury: Current Practices and Recommendations.

Musculoskeletal injuries, including lower extremity bone stress injuries (BSI) significantly impact initial entry training (IET) in the U.S. Army due to limited duty days, trainee attrition, early medical discharge, and related financial costs. Factors complicating trainee BSI surveillance include inconsistent BSI coding practices, attrition documentation as both administrative separations and medical discharges and the inability to code for BSI grade or severity when using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. A multidisciplinary expert panel developed policy guidance to enhance clinical and administrative management of BSI, following extensive analysis of current, peer-reviewed literature. Policy guidance incorporates leading practices concerning clinical BSI management, including imaging procedures, recommended notifications, early intervention, and ICD-10 diagnostic coding procedures. Policy guidance also standardizes BSI grading criteria for magnetic resonance imaging and skeletal scintigraphy (bone scan). Multidisciplinary expert opinion indicates inconsistent BSI diagnosis and management across IET due to variability in trainee BSI grading, documentation, and coding practices. Injury surveillance conducted by the United States Army Medical Command (USAMEDCOM) will benefit from routine, standardized musculoskeletal injury data base searches by BSI severity/grade and anatomical location upon implementation of BSI policy guidance. Effective injury surveillance is critical for determining trainee BSI incidence and attrition, developing anticipated return to duty (RTD) timelines, and assessing long-term outcomes. BSI RTD timelines should account for gender, BSI grade/severity, anatomical location, and type of intervention. Well-defined RTD timelines would benefit administrative decision-making purposes, including whether to grant convalescent leave or enroll in the Warrior Training and Rehabilitation Program during BSI recovery. Enhanced management procedures may improve initial enlistment completion rates for trainees sustaining at least one BSI who eventually complete IET.

Differences between U.S. Army Trainees and Active Duty Soldiers in Performing Physically Demanding Occupational Tasks

The training implemented during initial entry training (IET) for combat arms trainees (up to 16 weeks) is designed to sufficiently optimize performance of physically demanding occupational tasks. Trainees must be physically capable of performing the tasks within their jobs to the minimal acceptable performance standard, as delineated by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. PURPOSE: To compare U.S. Army trainees to active duty soldiers performing physically demanding occupational tasks. METHODS: 192 U.S. Army male combat arms trainees (TRs) at the end of their IET and 369 active duty male combat arms soldiers (ADs) both performed the sandbag carry (SBC), casualty drag (CD) and move under direct fire (MUF) tasks. During the SBC, subjects wore personal protective equipment (PPE; ~32 kg) while lifting and carrying 16 pre-filled 18-kg sandbags a distance of 10m to build a fighting position (4 long x 2 wide x 2 high) as fast as possible (min). For the CD, subjects wore PPE and a weapon while dragging a 123-kg simulated casualty 15m as fast as possible (60-sec time limit). Time was recorded and later calculated as velocity (m·s-1). During MUF subjects wore PPE and a weapon to perform a series of combat rushes covering 100m as fast as possible (min). The MUF course cycled between one prone and two kneeling positions, each 6.6 m apart. Univariate ANCOVA (height and body mass as covariates) were used to compare differences in performances on the three tasks between TRs and ADs. RESULTS: 94% of TRs and 99% of ADs performed the three tasks to the minimal acceptable performance standards. ADs performed significantly faster than TRs on SBC (AD: 1.73 ± 0.29 min, TR: 2.09 ± 0.46 min; p<0.01) and CD (AD: 1.14 ± 0.28 m·s-1, TR: 0.80 ± 0.30 m·s-1; p<0.01) with no differences in MUF performance (AD: 2.24 ± 0.15 min, TR: 2.27 ± 0.22 min; p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Although majority of the TRs met the minimal acceptable performance standards on the three tasks, ADs performed the SBC and CD faster. This could be due to ADs having more experience performing the tasks. While further training occurs at TRs first duty station, TRs may benefit from additional occupational task training during IET. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

Evaluation of Dietary Intake &amp;lt Training Volume During Army Initial Entry Training

Evaluation of Dietary Intake &amp;lt Training Volume During Army Initial Entry Training

Estimation of energy balance and training volume during Army Initial Entry Training

BackgroundAdequate dietary intake is important for promoting adaptation and prevention of musculoskeletal injury in response to large volumes of physical training such as Army Initial Entry Training (IET). The purpose of this study was to evaluate training volume and dietary intake and estimate energy balance in Army IET soldiers.MethodsDietary intake was assessed by collecting diet logs for three meals on each of three, non-consecutive days during the first week of IET. Training volume was measured across 13 weeks of training using Actigraph wGT3X accelerometers. Training intensity was classified using Sasaki vector magnitude three cut points. Energy expenditure estimates were calculated during weeks two and three of training using the modified Harris-Benedict equation and by estimation of active energy expenditure using metabolic equivalents for each classification of physical activity. All data is presented as mean ± standard deviation.ResultsA total of 111 male soldiers (ht. = ± 173 ± 5.8 cm, age = 19 ± 2 years, mass = 71.6. ± 12.4 kg) completed diet logs and were monitored with Actigraphs. IET soldiers performed on average 273 ± 62 min low, 107 ± 42 min moderate, 26 ± 22 min vigorous, and 10 ± 21 min of very vigorous intensity physical activity daily across 13 weeks. The estimated total daily energy expenditure was on average 3238 ± 457 kcals/d during weeks two and three of IET. Compared to week one caloric intake, there was a caloric deficit of 595 ± 896 kcals/d on average during weeks two and three of IET. Regression analysis showed that body weight was a significant predictor for negative energy balance (adj. R2 = 0.54, p < 0.001), whereby a 1 kg increase in body mass was associated with a 53 kcal energy deficit.ConclusionsBased on week one dietary assessment, IET soldiers did not consume adequate calories and nutrients to meet training needs during red phase (weeks one through three). This may directly affect soldier performance and injury frequency. IET soldiers undergo rigorous training, and these data may help direct future guidelines for adequate nourishment to optimize soldier health and performance.

Pemanfaatan Teknologi Sistem Informasi untuk Meningkatkan Penjualan Hasil Produk UMKM Logam di Kota Pasuruan

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The Metal Crafters in Pasuruan City who are members of the Indonesian Prosperous (PASINDO) oversees about 300 UMKM of metal. Partners taken by machining and casting groups and packing groups. Metal Craftsman Company manages the management manually, if there is ordering according to job order recorded in big book and finance is not set. Factors in focusing assistance to metal craftsmen under the auspices of Pasindo is knowledge of management information technology and marketing to increase sales. Output targets implemented include conducting financial management and marketing training, operationalizing application systems, entry training and data updating in databases, as well as providing order management training through e-commerce application systems. Method offered approach Metal business unit as seller and buyer based on information technology include: Observation on business partners, designing and making e- commerce application system, and training to Partners. Retail data for 14 months before using a Web-based sales application on a sample of 30 products generated a net profit of Rp. 5,120,000. Sales for 2 months after using the Web application generated a net profit of Rp. 4,356,000. It experienced an increase in profit of Rp. 1,812,286 every month after using a Web-based sales app (E-Commerce). &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

DIAGNOSIS DIALOG: RECAP AND RELEVANCE TO RECENT APTA ACTIONS

For at least 40 years, physical therapists have been contemplating the issue of diagnosis. After the profession chose to require completion of doctoral-level training for entry into the profession, making some decisions about diagnosis became essential. In the 2004 Maley Lecture, Cynthia Coffin-Zadai called the profession to action on the question of diagnosis. One response to her call was the formation of a group of physical therapists from across the country to engage in an extended conversation about diagnosis. The Diagnosis Dialog group first met in St. Louis in 2006 and at the end of the meeting they decided to continue the discussion at another meeting. In fact, they met a total of 13 times over 10 years. The purposes of this article are to a) summarize briefly some of the topics that were discussed and b) demonstrate the relevance of those discussions to recent APTA actions regarding the adoption of the movement system as the core of physical therapist practice, education, and research.

Comparison of untrained vs trained soldiers performing the occupational physical assessment test

Purpose: Beginning January 2017, all soldiers entering the US Army must pass the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) to qualify for their job prior to Initial Entry Training (IET). Because the OPAT was developed using trained soldiers, but will be utilized to test untrained recruits, it is important to determine the effects of military physical training on OPAT performance. The purpose of the study was to compare the scores of recruits (R) to that of trained soldiers (T) in order to determine the effect of non-specific Army physical training on OPAT scores.

Analyzing components of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT): Is treatment entry training sufficient?

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) assists family members with a treatment-resistant loved one. The most consistent outcome of CRAFT is increased treatment entry of the identified treatment-resistant person (IP). This led us to question whether all 6 components of CRAFT are necessary. In a randomized clinical trial, 115 concerned significant others (CSOs) of an IP received 12-14 sessions of the full CRAFT intervention, 4-6 sessions focused on Treatment Entry Training (TEnT), or 12-14 sessions of Al-Anon/Nar-Anon Facilitation (ANF). We monitored treatment entry, attendance, and substance use of the IP and the CSO's mood and functioning. Data were collected at baseline and 4, 6, and 9 months after the baseline. We found significant reductions in time to treatment entry (χ(2)2 = 8.89, p = .01) and greater treatment entry rates for CRAFT (62%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-6.9) and TEnT (63%; OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.2-7.5) compared with ANF (37%), but CRAFT and TEnT did not differ significantly from each other (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.4-2.7). No between-group differences in IP drug use were reported by CSOs, but days of drug use decreased over time for all groups (F(3, 277) = 13.47, p < .0001). Similarly, CSO mood and functioning did not differ between the 3 conditions but improved over time (p < .0001 for all significant measures). We replicated the results of previous trials demonstrating that CRAFT produces greater treatment entry rates than ANF and found similar treatment entry rates for CRAFT and TEnT. This suggests that treatment entry training is sufficient for producing the best established outcome of CRAFT. (PsycINFO Database Record

Evaluation of musculoskeletal injury trends in United States initial entry Soldiers

Musculoskeletal injury is the primary health concern for the United States military. A 2016 United States Army report noted the leading cause of medically evacuated non-battle injuries (46%) was sports/physical training. Across the US Army, there are an estimated 750,000 musculoskeletal injuries a year, resulting in over 25 million limited-duty days annually. Approximately 9 percent (over 26,000) of US Soldiers at any given time are non-deployable due to musculoskeletal injury, which directly impacts US military readiness. Many of these injuries are preventable, overuse injuries that occur during physical training or sports activities. Musculoskeletal injuries that occur during military service negatively affect the Service Member's ability to perform while serving, as well as the quality the Services Members’ life during service and after separation and retirement. The greatest predictor of musculoskeletal injury is a previous injury. Thus, there is an effort to reduce musculoskeletal injury early in a Soldier's career. The Warrior Athletic Training (WAT) program was implemented in 2009 as a part of an Initial Entry Training Soldier injury reduction effort at Ft. Benning, GA, United States. This program imbedded point of care sports medicine professionals in each training Battalion, in 5 training Brigades. Extensive musculoskeletal injury records were kept noting injury type, seriousness, mechanism of injury, number of training days lost, type of intervention, and training unit. Prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return to duty were completed in specialized sports medicine areas built in the training unit classrooms. If needed Soldiers were referred to the Troop Medical Clinics for advanced care, imaging, or to see a physician. Eight years of data, covering over 265,000 male Soldiers was assessed. This presentation will discuss injury trends; time lost from training, mechanisms of injury and suggested mitigations from this assessment and compare injury rates and trends to those found in the Australian Army.