Intense Military Training Research Articles

A case of acute pulmonary edema caused by exertional heat stroke

This paper reports a case of acute pulmonary edema caused by exertional heat stroke due to imbalance of body heat production and heat dissipation caused by high intensity military training physical activities. The patient's lesions developed rapidly and pulmonary edema progressed rapidly and diffusingly. After early identification, active invasive mechanical ventilation and hormone therapy, the pulmonary imaging lesions of pulmonary edema were rapidly absorbed, and the dyspnea was improved. This article discusses the incidence, imaging features and treatment of acute pulmonary edema caused by exertional heat stroke, and provides reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

To Sever the Limbs of US Imperialism: North Korean Support for Latin American Guerrilla Movements in the 1960s

Abstract During the 1960s North Korea was connected to at least nine armed leftist rebel groups in seven countries in Latin America. Pyongyang primarily supported the revolutionary aims of these groups by providing them with military training inside the dprk. This agenda stemmed from the dprk leadership’s analysis of the international situation, one heavily influenced by its experience in the Korean War and Lenin’s theory of imperialism. This analysis identified the defeat of US imperialism as the primary task of the international Left, and that this could be achieved by the proliferation of armed insurgencies throughout the global South. By contrast, the Latin American militants who travelled to the dprk to undergo intensive military training were in search of personal transformation. Inspired by the Cuban Revolution and its doctrine of foquismo, these young radicals sought a transformative experience that would facilitate their evolution from “ordinary” civilians into revolutionary guerrillas.

Musculoskeletal system injuries in the Polish Territorial Defence Forces

BackgroundMusculoskeletal system injuries (MSIs) are the major health problem of soldiers. The aim of this study was to assess the types of MSIs that occurred most frequently among soldiers and...

Musculoskeletal Injuries in Police Enforcement Trainees in the Pre-service Training Course of Iran

Purpose: Intensive military training courses are among the programs and specialties of the police force. Musculoskeletal disorders in the military are one of the vital factors that keep people away from courses and shorten their service life. This research aims to measure the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in newly arrived students in the pre-service training course of the police force using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) questionnaire. Methods: For this purpose, 124 soldiers with a mean age of 20.7 years, a mean height of 178.5 cm, a mean weight of 72.9 kg, and a mean activity per week for 3 hours and 19 minutes in one of the training barracks affiliated to the Tehran Police Force and were selected and completed the OSTRC questionnaire every month for 6 months. The research design of this study is epidemiology and the results are presented descriptively. Results: The results of the research related to prevalence measurement on a monthly mean showed that ankles at 2.8%, knees at 2.2%, and waist at 1.8% respectively have the highest prevalence rates among soldiers. Also, among the harmful factors, the parade had the largest share with 22.5% and during 6 months, the second month had the highest number of injuries, and the sixth month had the lowest number of injuries. In terms of participation in exercises, 86.6% of soldiers participated in practical classes without any physical injuries during the six months. A total of 9.1% of the soldiers could not perform optimally and properly despite their full attendance in the practical classes due to physical injuries and finally, 3.8% of the participants, despite attending the practical classes, had to leave the class halfway due to the severity of the injury. Conclusion: What is clear is that the most affected areas are the central area and the lower limbs, and the spine of the back, head, neck, and upper limbs were not among the most damaged areas. Finally, it seems that the prevalence rate among the soldiers in training courses is acceptable and close to the average of global statistics. However, it is required to take preventive measures as well as plan to add classes and specialized exercises to strengthen physical fitness and specialized exercises related to improving the conditions of damaged areas.

Mindfulness-Based Attention Training in the Navy: A Feasibility Study.

Mind wandering is common during daily activities and is even more prevalent under stressful conditions, which could lead to lapses in attention and poor performance. Newly recruited military personnel who undergo demanding training often experience high levels of stress. It is therefore imperative to find ways to foster mental health and avoid performance deterioration related to mind wandering in times of intense military training. This feasibility study investigated the effectiveness of an established low-dose mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), called Mindfulness-based Attention Training (MBAT), on mind wandering, attentional performance, and well-being, delivered by a facilitator who was taught how to deliver MBAT. A sample of newly recruited Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Junior Officers (n = 17) undergoing demanding training participated in the 8-week long MBI with one weekly contact session. Measures of well-being and the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) were completed 4weeks prior to the MBAT, at the start of the MBAT, at the end of the MBAT and 4weeks after completion of the MBAT. Results suggest that MBAT might protect from performance decline during intense training and enhance levels of well-being at follow-up. These findings highlight the valuable role of mindfulness as a component in military training.

What's New in Musculoskeletal Basic Science.

What's New in Musculoskeletal Basic Science.

Sex-differences In Bone Density, Geometry, And Estimated Strength Adaptations To 10-weeks Of Military Officer Training

Mechanical loading (e.g. physical activity) is associated with changes in bone density and structure; however, few investigations have examined the adaptive bone response to arduous military training in men and women. PURPOSE Investigate the effects of military training on volumetric bone density (vBMD), geometry, and strength in men and women who complete Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS). METHODS Male and female candidates (n=267) completed a tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scan before and after a 10-week physically intensive military training course. Three-dimensional vBMD, geometry, and estimated bone strength were assessed at the 4%, 38%, and 66% sites. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed changes across training. Data are mean±SEM, α=0.05. RESULTS Subjects were aged 19-35 (25.3±0.2 yrs) with a BMI 25.5±0.1 kg/m2. At the distal (4%) tibia, increases in total vBMD (pre: 354.5±2.7, post: 356.3±2.7 mg/cm3), trabecular vBMD (294.3±2.2, 295.6±2.2 mg/cm3), and estimated compression strength (BSI; 154.7±2.2, 156.2±2.1 mg2/mm4) were observed in men (n=222, p<0.001). In women (n=39), total vBMD (324.2±5.1, 326.5±5.2 mg/cm3 p=0.03), trabecular vBMD (262.7±4.8, 264.4±4.9 mg/cm3 p=0.01), and BSI (105.9±3.3, 107.4±3.4 mm3 p<0.01) also increased. At the midshaft (38%) tibia, total vBMD (938.1±3.7, 938.9±3.7 mg/cm3 p=0.03), cortical thickness (6.8±0.1, 6.8±0.1 mm, p<0.01), periosteal circumference (77.0±0.3, 77.1±0.3 mm p<0.01) and estimated bending strength (SSI; 2182.7±25.9, 2193.8±25.1 mm3 p=0.02) increased in men (n=208). In women (n=40), only periosteal circumference increased (70.0±0.6, 70.1±0.6 mm p=0.05). At the proximal (66%) tibia, no significant changes (p>0.05) were observed in men (n=200). In women (n=38), total vBMD decreased (735.9±9.0, 732.7±8.8 mg/cm3 p=0.04) and periosteal circumference increased (82.5±0.9, 82.8±0.9 mm p<0.01) following training. CONCLUSION Bone adaptations in response to 10 weeks of military training are slight (≤1.5%), but statistically significant and may be sufficient to improve estimates of bone strength. Changes are further dependent on biological sex and anatomical location.

Psychological Responses To Ruck Marches During Military Training

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE PR2021_60865 A ruck march is characterized by walking over rough terrain for a prolonged period carrying military gear weighing approximately 50% of body weight. This activity is essential during military training and operations; however, there is limited research with ecological validity examining the impact of ruck marches on psychological responses. PURPOSE: To compare two ruck march events during military training on psychological responses in Army Soldiers. METHODS: 63 Army Soldiers (Age: 22.9 ± 3.2 years; BMI: 26.08 ± 3.39 kg/m2) performed two ruck marches (Ruck1 and Ruck2) separated by 72 hours of intense military training. Psychological responses and total weight (bodyweight + military gear) were measured immediately before and after each ruck march. Rated perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), and felt arousal scale (FAS) were collected using an iPad and weight using an analog scale. Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to assess the influence of ruck number (Ruck1 vs. Ruck2) and time (pre vs. post) on psychological responses. RESULTS: Soldiers walked for 13.3 km during the first ruck and 11.2 km during the second. The total weight did not change after each ruck but was lower during the second than the first ruck (Ruck1 = 190.37 ± 19.36 kg vs. Ruck2 = 167.47 ± 32.11 kg; p < 0.0001). There was a main effect of ruck number, time, and an interaction (ps < .05) for RPE, FS, and a main effect of time (p < .001) for FAS. Posthoc analysis shows that RPE increased (p < .001) after both rucks but was lower after the second than the first ruck. Affective valence decreased after the first (p < 0.01) but not the second ruck, and affective arousal increased after both rucks (p < .01). Figure 1 illustrates the psychological results. CONCLUSION: Ruck marches performed during military training impact psychological state using measures commonly used in exercise research.

Effect of intense military exercise on physical proficiency and hormonal responses of soldiers

BACKGROUND: Military training activities are typically challenging and push the soldiers toward their maximum limits of capabilities to improve proficiency in real time situations. In terms of injury prevention, unit performance, and overall morale, the individual's physical capabilities must be in concert to the job demands. Hormones play an important role in regulating various physiological processes including fuel utilization by exercising muscles. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to quantify the hormonal demand of an intense military training event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at a military training center on 25 male healthy soldiers who had completed 11 week training. Venous blood samples were drawn before and immediately after the event. RESULTS: In hormonal responses, the levels of epinephrine (P &lt; 0.001), norepinephrine (P &lt; 0.01), cortisol (P &lt; 0.001), serotonin (P &lt; 0.01), and aldosterone (P &lt; 0.001) were significantly increased while testosterone (P &lt; 0.001) was found significantly decreased after event. The present study demonstrated that the physical proficiency training activity was highly energy demanding due to significantly increased sympathoadrenergic responses and induced a high level of acute stress due to significant reduction of testosterone. In addition to this, the significantly increased serotonergic responses indicated that the level of fatigue was high during activity. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study may be helpful in screening of individuals before inducting into such intense military training activity to minimize the risk of injuries.

The effect of food ration bar enriched with β-alanine, L-arginine, and Nigellasativa on performance and inflammation following intense military training: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundThere are growing interests in using dietary supplements to improve athletic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the food ration bar enriched with β‐alanine, L‐arginine, and Nigella sativa on athletic performance and inflammation following intense military training.MethodsThis double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 new cadets. Eligible participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive food ration bars enriched with arginine (2 g/day), β‐alanine (2 g/day), and Nigella sativa (2 g/day) or nonenriched food ration bars during a 2‐week military training. Aerobic and anaerobic performances were evaluated by the Cooper and RAST tests, respectively.ResultsA significant increase in anaerobic powers (min, mean, and max) and a significant reduction in fatigue index were observed in the intervention group as compared to the control group, even after the adjustment for confounding factors. Also, increased levels of hs‐CRP and TNF‐α following military training were significantly lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group (hs‐CRP: 0.55 ± 0.1 versus 2.43 ± 0.1 mg/L; p‐value: 0.01; TNF‐α: 0.12 ± 0.04 versus 0.62 ± 0.04 pg/ml; p‐value: 0.03). No significant changes were observed in VO2 max in both groups.ConclusionsOur results showed that the combination of β‐alanine, L‐arginine, and Nigella sativa can improve anaerobic performance and reduce inflammation following intense physical activities. Further studies with long‐term duration are needed to confirm the cumulative/synergic effects of these ingredients in trained and nontrained subjects.

Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI‐30, 6086 Supplementation Improves β‐Hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate Bioavailability

The leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has a long, successful history as an ergogenic aid for enhancing strength, performance, body composition, aerobic fitness, and recovery. Probiotic supplements have been associated with improved digestive health, improved immune function, and lower inflammation. Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, has been linked to improved nutrient absorption, specifically protein digestion, potentially through optimizing gut microbiota composition and increased proteolytic activity. In a prior study, combined supplementation with HMB and B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 during intense military training attenuated inflammation and helped maintain muscle integrity better than did HMB alone. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of supplementation with the spore-forming probiotic B. coagulans on the kinetics of calcium HMB (CaHMB) and HMB free acid (HMB-FA). We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation would improve the kinetic profile of HMB, thus improving HMB bioavailability. Six male participants (26.5 ± 1.4 years; 76.4 ± 4.9 kg) were randomly assigned to receive 0.8 g of HMB as either CaHMB (n=3) or HMB-FA (n=3) (myHMB, TSI, Missoula, MT). Within 7 days of the first study visit, participants began a 14-day course of daily probiotic supplementation with 2 billion CFU B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (Digestive Advantage, Schiff Vitamins, Salt Lake City, UT). We compared HMB (pooled CaHMB and HMB-FA data) pharmacokinetics before (HMB alone, Figure 1) and after the 14-day course of daily probiotic supplementation (HMB + Probiotic, Figure 1). Two weeks of probiotic supplementation increased peak plasma HMB levels by 16% (p < 0.05). Total HMB exposure (area under the curve) was 19% (p < 0.05) higher following probiotic supplementation. Probiotic supplementation did not affect the time to reach peak HMB levels, HMB half-life, or plasma clearance of HMB. Approximately 20% of the consumed HMB dose was excreted in urine over 24 hours, with no effect of probiotic supplementation on HMB excretion (percent excreted = 20 ± 3 and 19 ± 4% before and after probiotic supplementation, respectively). In conclusion, 14 days of probiotic supplementation improved the absorption and bioavailability of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), which may enhance HMB's effectiveness.

Human Resource Risks of Forming Professional Potential of Servicemen

The article analyzes the objective and subjective factors affecting the personnel risks of a military organization. The theoretical model for interpreting risks is based on several approaches. A realistic approach is used in the analysis of simulated (survival courses, military exercises) or real (military operations, counter-terrorism operations, deployments) hazard situations. Subjectively biased approach focuses on the problems of the attitude of military personnel to the distribution of resources, duties, and responsibilities within the organization. A socially constructed approach becomes a resource for analyzing constructs of risk situations created in the media or various communicative Internet sites (forums, chats) that do not always have a real embodiment. A socially mediated approach denotes vectors for the implementation of the main directions of the reform of the armed forces and the changes associated with them. The variability of risks is revealed to specific innovations in the future formation of a new look of the modern military. The context of discussions in professional network communities of the problems of retraining and advanced training of military personnel in "survival courses" is studied. The main risks associated with the formation of the professional potential of military personnel are "motivation risks" (expediency and prospects); "risks of professional incompetence" (unpreparedness, problems in organizing courses); "risks of inadequate official behavior" (gender relations, adaptive processes during trials). As a result, it is concluded that an intensive military training program is one form of minimizing the risks of professional incompetence. This program is used as a tool that reduces staff turnover during the first year of service, facilitates the work of the personnel service, and serves as an information springboard for the dissemination of knowledge about risk and its importance for professionalization among recruits.

Bolstering Cognitive Resilience via Train-the-Trainer Delivery of Mindfulness Training in Applied High-Demand Settings

ObjectivesMindfulness training (MT) guidelines recommend that trainers have familiarity and knowledge of the training group as well as extensive MT expertise. Herein, a “train-the-trainer” (TTT) dissemination model was investigated for military service members whose access to MT is threatened by a scarcity of qualified trainers.MethodsUS Army Master Resilience Trainer-Performance Experts (PEs), who had extensive familiarity with soldiers but no prior MT experience, participated in an MT practicum, and then delivered a 4-week MT program (Mindfulness-Based Attention Training, MBAT) contextualized for military personnel. Soldiers (n = 180) undergoing intensive military field training over the study interval were recruited as participants. MBAT was delivered to soldiers by PEs (n = 89) or by a trainer with extensive MT experience (Mindfulness Expert; ME, n = 45) but no military familiarity. The remaining participants served as no-training controls (NTC, n = 46). Soldiers’ performance on sustained attention and working memory (WM) tasks was assessed before (week 0, T1) and after MBAT delivery (week 5, T2), and again 4 weeks later (week 10, T3).ResultsFor all participants, sustained attention and WM performance declined over the high-demand field training interval (p < 0.001). Yet, the PE group declined significantly less in attentional (p = 0.040) and WM (p < 0.001) performance relative to the other groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest that TTT delivery of short-form MT by context-familiar trainers may be an expeditious route by which to increase access to MT in the service of promoting cognitive resilience in high-demand groups.

A Z-score based method for comparing the relative sensitivity of behavioral and physiological metrics including cognitive performance, mood, and hormone levels.

A method for assessing the relative sensitivity of research metrics is proposed and illustrated by comparing 18 outcome measures from a published study of the cognitive, mood, and hormonal effects of four different levels of stress induced by intense military training. Research on the human response to stress often assesses multiple disparate dependent measures. Selecting the most sensitive is difficult as formal methods to compare varied dependent measures have not been developed. The method first converts the outcome measures into standard scores (z‐scores) and then compares them using analysis of variance to determine whether there are differences in how they assess the impact of graded levels of exposure to stress. The analysis detected various significant interactions in several measures and suggests self‐report mood questionnaires were more sensitive to the stressors present in the study than the cognitive or hormonal measures which were used. These findings support the effectiveness of the z‐score based method as a useful procedure for objectively evaluating the differential sensitivity of various metrics. This method could be useful for research on other independent variables when use of multiple assessment strategies is appropriate. It could be used for evaluating studies yielding conflicting results, such as those detecting effects on one parameter but not others. In such instances, cross‐metric inconsistencies may be due to differential sensitivity of measurement strategies rather than actual differences in the effects of the independent‐variable on the domains under investigation.

Association between circulating inflammatory markers and marksmanship following intense military training

IntroductionIntense military operations during deployment or training are associated with elevations in inflammatory cytokine markers. However, the influence of an inflammatory response on military-specific skills is unclear. This study examined...

Effect of High-Dose, Short-Duration β-Alanine Supplementation on Circulating IL-10 Concentrations During Intense Military Training.

Hoffman, JR, Gepner, Y, Hoffman, M, Zelicha, H, Shapira, S, and Ostfeld, I. Effect of high dose, short-duration β-alanine supplementation on circulating IL-10 concentrations during intense military training. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2978-2981, 2018-This study examined the effect of β-alanine as a potential anti-inflammatory agent during intense military training. Twenty soldiers (20.1 ± 0.6 years) from an elite combat unit were randomly assigned to either a β-Alanine (BA) or placebo (PL) group. Soldiers were provided with 12 g·d of either BA or PL for 7 days between 2 intensive periods of navigational training and restricted sleep. During the initial training period, soldiers navigated on average 27.8 km·d with ∼50% of their body mass in their packs for 5 days. Soldiers returned to base and began a 7-day supplementation program before departing for an additional period of intense field training. During the second period of field training, soldiers navigated 10 km·d for an additional 5 days, carrying similar loading as the initial week, performed tactical missions, and slept approximately 5 hours per day. Blood samples were obtained after the initial training period and after the second training period and analyzed for IL-10. Magnitude-based inferences that were used to provide inferences on the true effect BA may have had on IL-10 concentrations compared with PL, calculated from 90% confidence intervals. Data analysis indicated that changes in circulating IL-10 concentrations (mean difference 0.86 pg·ml) were possibly greater (57%) for BA than PL. Results of this study suggest that 1 week of high-dose BA ingestion may enhance the anti-inflammatory response during intense military training, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of BA during intense training.

Additional Cardiac Remodeling Induced by Intense Military Training in Competitive Athletes

Abstract Background: Cardiac remodeling depends on the intensity, duration, and training method. Objective: To evaluate if the training performed in a Portuguese military special operations troop increases cardiac remodeling in a sample of young individuals who previously practiced competitive sports. Methods: A prospective study involving 76 military candidates for military special operations, 45 of whom previously practiced at competitive level (> 10 hours per week). Of these military athletes, only 17 successfully completed the course. The evaluation was performed at 6 months intervals and included a complete clinical history, physical examination, vital signs, anthropometric data and echocardiographic evaluation. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: At the end of the course, there was a decrease in the percentage of fat mass (19.1 ± 3.3% vs. 13.1 ± 3.5%; p < 0.01), an increase in the percentage of lean mass (41.3 ± 2.1% vs. 44.4 ± 1.8%; p < 0.01), and decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Regarding cardiac remodeling, there was an increase in left ventricular diastolic diameter (49.7 ± 3.2 mm vs. 52.8 ± 3.4 mm; p < 0.01), an increase trend in left atrial volume (27.3 ± 4.5 mL/m2 vs. 28.2 ± 4.1 mL/m2; p = 0.07) and increased left ventricular mass (93.1 ± 7.7 g/m2 vs. 100.2 ± 11.4 g/m2; p < 0.01). Functional variables also changed, with an increase in S' (15 (13-16) cm/s vs. 17 (16-18) cm/s; p < 0,01) and a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (60 ± 6% vs. 54 ± 6%; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Intense military physical training resulted in additional cardiac remodeling in athletes of competitive level, both structural and functional.

The Heart of Physically Active Young Individuals can be Remodeled with an Intense 35-Week Military Training

The Heart of Physically Active Young Individuals can be Remodeled with an Intense 35-Week Military Training

The Effect of Bacillus Coagulans and HMB On Muscle Integrity and Inflammation During Military Training

BACKGROUND: β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a derivative of the branched chain amino acid leucine, and has been demonstrated to enhance recovery and attenuate muscle damage from high intensity exercise. Recent evidence has suggested that the use of a probiotic may enhance protein absorption, as such the combination of a probiotic with HMB ingestion may be more beneficial during field operations. PURPOSE: To compare the co-administration of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans (BC30) with HMB calcium (CaHMB) to CaHMB alone on the inflammatory response and muscle integrity during 40-days of intense military training. METHODS: Soldiers from the same unit were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CaHMB with BC30 (CaHMBBC30; n=9) or CaHMB with placebo (CaHMBPL, n=9). A third group of participants from the same unit served as a control (CTL; n=8). During the 40-day study, all participants performed the same daily protocol. During the first 28 days soldiers were garrisoned on base and participated in the same training tasks. During the final 2-weeks soldiers navigated 25-30 km per night in difficult terrain carrying ~35 kg of equipment. All assessments (blood draws and diffusion tensor imaging to assess muscle integrity) were conducted prior to and approximately 12-hours following final supplement consumption. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze all blood and muscle measures. RESULTS: Significant attenuations were noted in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, CX3CL1, and TNF-α for both CaHMBBC30 and CaHMBPL compared to CTL. The response of plasma IL-10 concentrations was significantly attenuated for CaHMBBC30 compared to CTL only. A significant decrease in apparent diffusion coefficients was also observed for CaHMBBC30 compared to CaHMBPL. CONCLUSION: Results of this study provide further evidence that HMB supplementation may attenuate the inflammatory response to intense training, and that the combination of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans with CaHMB may be more beneficial than CaHMB alone in maintaining muscle integrity during intense military training.

Combined effect of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 and HMB supplementation on muscle integrity and cytokine response during intense military training

The purpose of this study was to compare the coadministration of the probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30) with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) calcium (CaHMB) to CaHMB alone on inflammatory response and muscle integrity during 40 days of intense military training. Soldiers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CaHMB with BC30 (CaHMBBC30; n = 9) or CaHMB with placebo (CaHMBPL, n = 9). A third group of participants served as a control (CTL; n = 8). During the first 28 days soldiers were garrisoned on base and participated in the same training tasks. During the final 2 wk soldiers navigated 25-30 km per night in difficult terrain carrying ~35 kg of equipment. All assessments (blood draws and diffusion tensor imaging to assess muscle integrity) were conducted before and ~12 h after final supplement consumption. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze all blood and muscle measures. Significant attenuations were noted in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, CX3CL1, and TNF-α for both CaHMBBC30 and CaHMBPL compared with CTL. Plasma IL-10 concentrations were significantly attenuated for CaHMBBC30 compared with CTL only. A significant decrease in apparent diffusion coefficients was also observed for CaHMBBC30 compared with CaHMBPL. Results provide further evidence that HMB supplementation may attenuate the inflammatory response to intense training and that the combination of the probiotic BC30 with CaHMB may be more beneficial than CaHMB alone in maintaining muscle integrity during intense military training.NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) in its free acid form was reported to attenuate inflammation and maintain muscle integrity during military training. However, this formulation was difficult to maintain in the field. In this investigation, soldiers ingested HMB calcium (CaHMB) with Bacillus coagulans (BC30) or CaHMB alone during 40 days of training. Results indicated that CaHMB attenuated the inflammatory response and that BC30 combined with CaHMB may be more beneficial than CaHMB alone in maintaining muscle integrity during intense military training.