Military Personnel Research Articles

Resisting the cycle of violence: Impact of childhood abuse and neglect on individual and relationship functioning in early career enlisted air force male service members.

Resisting the cycle of violence: Impact of childhood abuse and neglect on individual and relationship functioning in early career enlisted air force male service members.

Human resource management in the armed forces: An investigation into the monetary incentive systems for military personnel

How do the armed forces pay and compensate military personnel? In this article, this question is addressed by investigating the monetary incentive systems in place in the armed forces in twelve NATO and NATO-partner countries. The primary objective is to understand how the armed forces, in a variety of advanced countries, structure their compensation and personnel policies. The countries’ monetary incentive systems are analyzed and compared using a Request for Information distributed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence to NATO and NATO-partner countries. The secondary objective is to motivate the research community in the nexus between personnel economics and defense economics to study monetary incentives in the armed forces in a cross-national perspective. There is great potential to learn from the experiences of compensation policies in other armed forces.

Improvement of methodical training of physical training instructors in the direction of application of physical impact measures

Physical training in units of the security and defense sector plays an important role in the system of professional training of personnel. The direction of application of measures of physical influence, in addition to technical preparation, development of physical qualities, has a positive effect on the education of moral and volitional qualities. And all this certainly affects the readiness of the personnel to perform the assigned tasks. In the conditions of martial law, the system of professional training also changed in order to transform and adapt it to the realities of today. The system of security measures implemented in the state has made its corrections in the educational and training process of personnel training, in particular with regard to planning in training. It is also necessary to take into account the level of physical condition, development and training of the replenishment. During martial law, military personnel are trained according to an abbreviated program. At the same time, from the experience of training our servicemen in various NATO member countries, the training periods there are much longer - which indicates different approaches and concepts. On the one hand, the shorter the training period, the faster a serviceman will get into a combat unit, and on the other hand, the quality of training of personnel is required, many of whom have not served at all, have mature age, low physical development and training, and often have health problems. Undoubtedly, all these conditions require high professional competence and skill from instructors in various areas, including physical training. The instructor must raise his professional level in order to ensure higher efficiency of the educational and training process, increase the training of the personnel and their readiness to perform official and combat tasks as assigned.

Psycho-physiological prerequisites of the success of military-professional training of cadets of military institutions of higher education

The article examines in detail the educational process of military- professional training of future army officers, which made it possible to substantiate the structural-systemic approach to the chosen problem. The analysis of the data obtained as a result of testing the morphofunctional and motor indicators of the development of the body of the cadets of military institutions of higher education confirmed the general low physical condition of modern military personnel. Regarding physical capacity, this indicator is in the range from low to satisfactory in most cadets. The results of testing the motor readiness of future military personnel confirm the existing data on the insufficient development of endurance in young men and the insufficient development of endurance and speed in girls. The study of the psycho-emotional state of the cadets of the military institutions of higher education showed that the resistance to stress in extreme situations of the vast majority of future officers is in the range from above average to high levels. In addition, as a result of special studies, the dependence of the success of the formation of professional skills and abilities on the psychophysiological indicators of the development of the cadets' body, depending on gender and military specialization, was established. The results of the correlation analysis of the dependence of the success of the cadets' professional training on the psychophysiological indicators of their organism's development made it possible to determine the structure of the complex psychophysiological preparedness of future officers, taking into account gender and military specialization. Therefore, the differentiation of future officers by specialization and gender determines the selection of means of physical training of the appropriate orientation depending on the structure of complex psychophysiological training.

Theoretical approaches to the problem of integration of servicemen with disabilities into society

The problems of health disorders and disabilities among military personnel in the security forces today, in the context of warfare, are quite relevant for any social environment, peoples and the country as a whole, which requires the attention of the state leadership and scientists in the search, development and implementation of the latest technologies adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities, taking into account their needs. It is worth noting that in recent years, the attitude to this category of servicemen has changed significantly and health disorders are considered a social phenomenon. The scientific article is devoted to the study and analysis of problems related to adaptive physical culture and sports for military personnel with health disabilities. The author proposes a set of measures to address them, and emphasizes the need to create conditions, scientifically based training programs and specialized sports facilities for physical exercises for servicemen with disabilities, their accessibility, and improvement of the regulatory framework based on the realities of servicemen's participation in combat operations.

Analysis of the organization and conduct of sports events in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the armed forces of the leading states – NATO member states with military personnel with limited functional capabilities

During the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending their country from the aggressor, received injuries of various degrees of severity, including amputation of limbs. After receiving injuries and wounds, servicemen go through significant psychological and physical disorders, which are difficult for them to deal with alone. Therefore, with the specified category of servicemen, it is necessary to carry out medical, psychological, and physical rehabilitation, as well as to develop programs for their adaptation to civilian life with the mandatory involvement of them in sports events. The Russian-Ukrainian war leads to an increase in the number of servicemen with limited functional capabilities. This indicates the search for optimal ways of their adaptation to the normal conditions of existence and functioning in the social environment and among the collective of their units and parts. Unfortunately, historical analysis shows that our servicemen with limited functional capabilities are in urgent need of social adaptation, especially with the start of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine since 2014, in connection with Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. That is why various sports federations, public organizations and active public figures in Ukraine hold competitions involving servicemen with limited functional capabilities, namely; "National Invincible Games", "Strong of Ukraine", "Kyiv Unbreakable", "Hero Games", "Veteran Ten", "Invincible Cup" football, "Strong of Ukraine", "I am your hand" and others. According to the results of the performances, the best athletes with disabilities represent our country at international level competitions, such as the Invictus Games.

Concept, content and structure of the phenomenon of professional adaptation of military servicemen to military service through physical training and sports

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept, content and structure of professional adaptation of military personnel to military service using means of physical training and sports. It was determined that the professional adaptation of military personnel is a complex process that includes psychophysiological, social and professional components. Special attention is paid to the role of physical training and sports in ensuring the effective adaptation of servicemen to the conditions of service, in particular in the context of the formation of the necessary physical, moral and willpower qualities and professional skills. On the basis of a systemic approach, the main elements and stages of the adaptation process, as well as their interrelationship and influence on the general level of combat readiness of servicemen, are revealed. Means of physical training and sports play an important role in the professional adaptation of military personnel. They contribute to increasing physical endurance, strengthening health, developing mental stability and forming teamwork skills. Thus, the professional adaptation of military personnel is the result of the complex influence of physical, psychological and social factors. Means of physical training and sports are important tools that contribute to a successful adaptation process, providing recruits with not only physical strength, but also psychological readiness for service, as well as integration into the military team.

Motivating servicemen with health problems to engage in physical training physical training

The importance of physical training today is undoubtedly relevant in solving the problems of military personnel's readiness to fulfill the assigned tasks of military and professional activities. It is known that one of the leading factors affecting the health of servicemen with disabilities is compliance with the regime of physical activity, which in turn is facilitated and played an important role by physical training and sports. The systematic formation of the need for physical training and sports depends primarily on the individual, his or her preferences, beliefs and interests, i.e. motivation. Therefore, one of the priority areas of activity of specialists involved in the rehabilitation and adaptation of servicemen with disabilities is the formation of motivation in physical training and sports in the conditions that have developed in our country after the invasion of the Russian aggressor. The article is devoted to highlighting and analyzing the problematic issues that require special attention in terms of helping to integrate servicemen who have health problems or have been severely injured during hostilities into the social environment and further motivate them to participate and engage in physical education activities.

Artificial Intelligence and U.S. Military Cadets’ Attitudes About Future War

What shapes warfighters’ trust in military technologies augmented with Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Research often assumes that junior military personnel, including cadets training to become officers, will trust AI during future wars, and at higher levels than senior officers. We test these claims by fielding a survey experiment among a representative sample of cadets assigned to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in the United States. Our analysis reveals that cadets are more trusting of AI-enhanced military technologies than senior officers, but that their trust is shaped by a more conservative understanding of the appropriate use and oversight of AI. We also find that cadets’ trust is shaped by a complex set of instrumental, normative, and operational considerations, including ongoing cognitive development, education, and professional enculturation. These results provide the first experimental evidence of cadets’ trust in AI-enhanced military technologies and have implications for future research, policy, and military modernization.

Military Family-Centred Resilience-Building Programming Across the Deployment Cycle: A Scoping Review.

Background: There is international agreement that military families (MFs)-active service members, reservists, veterans, and their families-must be resilient to overcome military life adversities. Resilience is defined either as skillsets or as processes implicating multi-systems in a socio-ecological context. While research on resilience-building specific to children and families who face adversity is growing, there is a paucity of evidence on MF-centred resilience-building. Objective: This review describes the evidence on such resilience-building programming and determines if adversity is considered a barrier or facilitator to resilience-building. Methods: This scoping review yielded 4050 peer-reviewed articles from database inception until December 2023, found in 12 databases. Articles were deduplicated, leaving 1317 that were independently screened for eligibility by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Findings: Of these articles, 27 were included; 5 additional articles were also included from other sources. The vast majority of included studies (91%) were conducted in the United States. These 32 articles were organised into categories, including demographics, research methodologies used, resilience program descriptors, and outcomes. Conclusions: Our results reveal that programs on building MF resilience vary widely, often measuring non-resilience health and social outcomes. We provide preliminary insights for MF health and policy. Our review findings will be invaluable for further evidence-based programming that builds resilience in MFs.

The Transition to Adulthood: A Qualitative Study of Autism Spectrum Disorder From Military and Veteran Parents and Military-Dependent Young Adults.

Given the unique experiences of military service members and their families, military-dependent young adults (18-25 years old) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their military or veteran families experience unique barriers to accessing quality mental health care during the transition to adulthood. In fact, developing services to address ASD challenges for military families is a burgeoning area of interest for the department of defense. However, there is a limited knowledge on the specific needs of military families as the young adult's transition outside of high school and lose supports. The present study conducted 3 focus groups with 16 military and veteran parents, and 3 focus groups with 10 military-dependent young adults to evaluate the needs of military-dependent young adults (17-25 years old) with ASD and military/veteran parents with a young adult with ASD. Parents reported several key topics, including barriers to services (e.g., permanent change of station, recently moving to a state and lacking awareness of the available resources), defining adulthood in terms working in a cohesive family structure, and therapy recommendations for parents and young adults with ASD transitioning to adulthood. Young adults provided key information, including describing experiences with having a parent in the military, difficulty accessing services during the transition to adulthood, and recommendations on therapy for military-dependent young adults with ASD. Military and veteran families with autistic dependents lack access to important mental-health resources. When developing programs for military families and military-dependent autistic young adults, mental health providers should consider the frequent relocations, lack of access to important transition resources, and common military values. The presence of advocates at military bases should be encouraged to help military families navigate autism services in their local community.

Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation for warfighters with post-traumatic stress.

While there is extensive empirical support and clinical guidance for the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) individually, less is known about treating the comorbid presentation of both conditions. The purpose of this review article is to provide information on the mental health treatment needs of service members (SMs) engaged in traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation. It also aims to offer a framework for an integrated treatment approach to address the cognitive and psychological health needs of warfighters. We review the prevalence and outcomes associated with comorbid TBI and PTSD and present relevant access to care considerations. Additionally, we identify an integrated approach to TBI treatment which takes psychological trauma into consideration. We introduce a trauma-informed care (TIC) model with specified diagnostic and treatment considerations for the service member and veteran (SM/V) communities. TIC is a strengths-based framework that raises the system-wide awareness of treatment facilities to the impact of psychological trauma on behavioral health. A comprehensive diagnostic approach is recommended with considerations for symptom etiology. Clinical considerations derived from available guidelines are identified to meet critical treatment needs for SM/Vs presenting for TBI treatment with a remote history of mTBI and psychological trauma or known PTSD. Clinical practice guidelines are used to inform an integrated TBI treatment model and maximize rehabilitation efforts for warfighters. Given the prevalence of comorbid TBI and PTSD among SM/Vs and its impact on outcomes, this review presents the integration of appropriate diagnostics and treatment practices, including the incorporation of CPGs into TBI rehabilitation.

Behavioral Design Strategies Improve Healthy Food Sales in a Military Cafeteria.

This study examined the use of behavioral design strategies to improve healthier food sales. A quasi-experimental, one-group, repeated measures design examined changes in food sales following behavioral design adjustments. United States military base hospital dining facility. U.S. military service members, retirees, and civilian employees. Behavioral design changes included placement, layout, messaging, default healthy bundling, a stoplight rating system, strategic positioning of healthy items on menu boards, and an increase in healthier snacks. Food sales were assessed by point-of-sales data. T-tests examined total sales of each food adjusted weekly between baseline and intervention and intervention and post-intervention. 16 food items targeted by the intervention were examined. Weekly food sales were calculated for the 18-week baseline, 18-week intervention, and 9-week post-intervention. Further, analysis estimated negative binomial models for food item sales. The hospital dining facility served 600 to 900 meals per day. Weekly foods sales decreased during the intervention for desserts, cooked starches, hummus, and yogurt (P < 0.01). Sales increased during the intervention for fruit cups, cooked vegetables, vegetable and turkey burgers, grilled chicken, packaged salads, French fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs (P < 0.02). This study demonstrates that a mixture of behavioral design strategies can be operationalized with reasonable fidelity and can lead to increases in the sales of some healthy foods in military worksites.

Associations Between Sleep Disorders and Treatment Response in Service Members With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms: A Secondary Outcome Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Compared with the civilian population, a higher rate of reported sleep apnea exists among military service members resulting in inadequate sleep. Those who experience chronic sleep deprivation may suffer from debilitating problems that may compromise military mission readiness and unit safety. The purpose of the study on which this secondary outcome analysis was based was to evaluate the effect of manual standardized stress acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to an abbreviated form of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia for sleep disturbances in post-deployment service members. The aim of this secondary outcome analysis was 2-fold: (1) to assess the relationship between sleep disorder symptoms and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PSS) and (2) to determine if the presence of sleep disorder symptoms influenced the effects of acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy as compared to cognitive behavior therapy only on PSS) in post-deployment military service members. Materials and Methods The study was a 2-arm, single-center, randomized controlled trial approved by the Naval Medical Center San Diego and the Vanderbilt University Institutional Review Board. It was conducted at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. Participants were active duty service members from all military branches who were stationed in Okinawa. Two measures were used to analyze the data: the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (GSAQ) and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between sleep disorder symptoms (i.e., 11 pre-intervention GSAQ symptoms) and PSS treatment outcomes (i.e., PCL and PTSD clusters). Results Results indicated associations between the GSAQ components and PCL total and PTSD cluster scores. Findings showed that the presence of sleep disorder symptoms influenced PSS treatment response in post-deployment military service members. Conclusions Results from this secondary outcome analysis showed associations between GSAQ components (i.e., excessive daytime sleepiness, working conditions causing inadequate sleep, involuntary movements in sleep, and sadness or anxiousness) and PCL total and PTSD cluster scores (i.e., avoidance, negative cognition and mood, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Furthermore, sleep disorder symptoms such as having stressful working conditions (e.g., shift work), probable obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, anxiety, and depression influenced PSS treatment responses. This study provided information on the major contribution of sleep disorder symptoms in the treatment of PSS through self-report. Future researchers should consider the use of physiologic measures to further understand the mechanisms of how sleep disorder symptoms affect treatment responses in service members with PSS. Implications for this study may assist clinicians in determining effective PSS treatments for those with OSA and insomnia.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Taiwanese youth: soldiers and college students

Researchers have identified university students and military personnel as highly susceptible to the stress and emotional challenges imposed by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study was to compare the psychological impact of COVID-19 on soldiers and students based on risk factors identified in self reports. We recruited 258 students (male: female = 58: 204, average age = 19.73 ± 1.52 years) and 194 active soldiers (male: female = 172: 22, average age = 24.88 ± 4.11 years) from northern Taiwan. Analysis was performed on demographic data, history of COVID-19 infection, vaccinations, and the subjective psychological impact of the pandemic, as well as their current (within one month) anxiety levels, depression level, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis models were used to compare soldier vs. student status and male vs. female. Overall, roughly 54% of the subjects had been infected by COVID-19 at least once, and the psychological impact of the pandemic was more pronounced in the infected group. The students reported more pronounced symptoms of PTSD (elevated anxiety and depression levels) than did the soldiers. All regression models other than those associated with age and sex revealed that the link between COVID-19 infection and the symptoms of PTSD was more salient among soldiers and males than among students and females. It appears that the psychological impact of COVID-19 is underreported by soldiers. These findings indirectly support previous research indicating that soldiers are less likely than students to disclose emotions related to trauma, indicating the need for psychological support for military personnel.

Self-compassion as a protective factor against post-traumatic stress symptoms induced by adverse childhood experiences: A cross-sectional study among Japan air self-defense force new recruits

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may result in long-term mental health complications, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ACEs are known to be more frequent among military personnel, despite their need to maintain their mental health to accomplish their missions. Self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and understanding, can mitigate the psychological effects of adversity but is also affected by adversity. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the complex relationships between ACEs, self-compassion, and PTSD symptoms among 752 new recruits of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, of whom 537 with ACEs completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the independent effect of self-compassion, measured using the Self-Compassion Scale, on PTSD symptoms. Mediation effect analysis with self-compassion as a mediator was conducted on the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms. We confirmed high levels of ACEs among our participants compared to a healthy population of a previous study, and approximately 6% presented PTSD symptoms above a threshold. Self-compassion was significantly negatively associated with PTSD symptoms (β = −.22, 95% confidence interval [CI], −.34 to −.11). Mediation effect analysis revealed that self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and PTSD symptoms, explaining 6.9% of this effect, and ACEs were negatively associated with self-compassion (β = −.13, 95% CI, −.22 to −.04). These findings suggested that self-compassion is a protective factor against PTSD symptoms, whereas ACEs can decrease self-compassion. Further research should explore educational interventions to enhance self-compassion among individuals with ACEs to mitigate PTSD symptoms.

Resilience – effects multiplier in preparing counter-deception

This article examines the critical role of resilience as an effect multiplier in the preparation and training of military personnel. By developing the ability to operate under uncertainty and take calculated risks, armed forces can reduce their vulnerability to manipulation and disinformation. The analysis focuses on ways to build resilience, emphasizing the importance of mental flexibility, adaptability, critical thinking, and thorough preparation for dynamic challenges. The study also highlights the need to integrate these skills into military training programs to produce leaders capable of making informed decisions even in the absence of all necessary information. The findings suggest that a resilience-based approach can significantly improve the ability to counter deception and thus contribute to the operational success of the armed forces.

Professional codes of morality and the professional codes of conduct of military personnel in different countries

This article presents a study on moral codes and professional codes of conduct. Various professional codes of conduct were considered, including the Samurai Code of Conduct, Code of Chivalry, Pirate Code, Hippocratic Oath and Medical Oath, Red Cross Code of Conduct, Galilean Oath, Code of Apparel Industry Partnership, Ethics in Computer Programming and Software Development, Moral hacking. Special emphasis is placed on Military Ethics and the morale of the serviceman. The article recognizes the golden rule of global ethics as the most important and simple truth for distinguishing right from wrong in human behavior.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Rates Among U.S. Military Veteran Females and Males and Non-Veterans in the National Health Interview Survey.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for the development of multiple cancers. Active duty service members have higher rates of HPV infection than civilians, while Veterans are diagnosed with a disproportionately high burden of HPV-associated cancers compared to civilians without prior service. While a highly effective HPV vaccine has been available for over a decade, vaccination rates in the United States remain suboptimal. The objective of this study was to investigate HPV vaccination rates among male and female Veterans compared with their non-Veteran counterparts. We performed a secondary analysis of cross-sectional National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data pooled from 2015 to 2018 to analyze HPV vaccination rates for respondents aged 18-45 years. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare HPV vaccination rates between Veterans and non-Veterans stratified by sex while controlling for sociodemographic factors, including age, race/ethnicity, education level, income, insurance coverage, and VA coverage. All analyses used NHIS survey weights to produce national estimates. Among 45,493 respondents aged 18 to 45 years, vaccination rates were low across all groups: 9.6% of male Veterans and 8.4% of male non-Veterans (P = .21) had received at least one HPV immunization, whereas 32.0% of female Veterans and 25.1% of female non-Veterans (P = .02) were immunized. After controlling for sociodemographics, both male Veterans (AOR 1.79; 95%CI 1.31, 2.44) and female Veterans (AOR 1.56; 95%CI 1.1, 2.21) exhibited higher odds of HPV vaccination compared to their non-Veteran counterparts. VA coverage was also independently associated with higher odds of HPV vaccination among female Veterans (AOR 2.39; 95%CI 1.10, 5.21). Veterans of both sexes are more likely to be vaccinated than their non-Veteran civilian counterparts. However, vaccination rates overall remain low. To our knowledge, ours is the first study of its kind to establish HPV vaccination rates among female Veterans. These findings underscore the important role of DoD and VA health care systems in improving HPV vaccine uptake and mitigating HPV-associated cancer risk among Veterans.

Alterations in Endogenous Stem Cell Populations in the Acute Phase of Blast-Induced Spinal Cord Injury.

Blast-induced spinal cord injury (bSCI) is prevalent among military populations and frequently leads to irreversible spinal cord tissue damage that manifests as sensorimotor and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Clinical recovery from bSCI has been proven to be multifactorial, as it is heavily dependent on the function of numerous cell populations in the tissue environment, as well as extensive ongoing inflammatory processes. This varied recovery process is thought to be due to irreversible spinal cord damage after 72 hours post-injury. Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries has long been investigated due to these cells' proliferative nature, ability to enhance neuro-regeneration, neuroprotection, remyelination of axons, and modulation of the immune and inflammatory responses. Therefore, this study hypothesizes that the impaired function after injury is due to a lack of specific ectoderm and neural stem cell population activity at the injury site. This study aimed to elucidate changes in endogenous stem cell patterns by evaluating immunohistochemical staining densities of various stem cell markers using a preclinical thoracolumbar bSCI model. Analysis was performed 24-, 48-, and 72 hours following blast exposure. Behavior tests to assess sensory and mechanical functions were also performed. The following Cluster of differentiation (CD) markers CD105, CD45, CD133, and Vimentin, Nanog homebox (NANOG), and sex determining region Y HMG-box 2 (SOX2) positive cell populations were significantly elevated with trending increases in Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in the thoracolumbar region of spinal cord tissue at 72 hours following bSCI (p < 0.05). Behavior analyses showed significant decreases in paw withdrawal thresholds in the hind limbs and changes in locomotion at 48- and 72 hours post-injury (p < 0.05). The significant increase in mesenchymal, pluripotent, and neural stem cell populations within the thoracolumbar region post-injury suggests that migratory patterns of stem cell populations are likely altered in response to bSCI. Behavioral deficits were consistent with those experienced by military personnel, such as increased pain-like behavior, reduced proprioception and coordination, and increased anxiety-like behavior post-bSCI, which underlines the translational capabilities of this model. While further research is vital to understand better the intrinsic and synergistic chemical and mechanical factors driving the migration of stem cells after traumatic injury, increased endogenous stem cell populations at the injury site indicate that stem cell-based treatments in patients suffering from bSCI could prove beneficial.