Military Task Performance Research Articles

Physical Activity and Eating Habits of Polish Navy Soldiers and Border Guard Officers—A Comparative Analysis

Background: Physical fitness and a healthy body mass are important predictors of a good performance of military tasks. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical activity level and nutrition, in terms of the frequency of consumption of individual food groups, of Polish Navy soldiers and Maritime Unit of the Border Guard officers. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 131 Polish Navy soldiers aged 33.1 ± 6.3 years old and 132 Maritime Unit of the Border Guard officers aged 38.6 ± 5.5 years old. In order to carry out research on physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Eating habits were assessed based on a Food Frequency Questionnaire for 61 groups of food products. Results: Over 80% of the soldiers and officers studied indicated high levels of physical activity. Only 8.2% of soldiers and 4.3% of officers indicated a low level of physical activity. Of the 61 food product groups analyzed, significant differences were found in the frequency of consumption of 17 products. These differences concerned almost all groups (except dairy products and eggs). Conclusions: To summarize, soldiers and officers presented high and moderate levels of physical activity. Taking into account the demonstrated frequent consumption of high-energy and high-fat products, such as sausages and red meat, as well as margarine, mayonnaise, and sugar, with the low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption in both studied groups, it is advisable to conduct training among soldiers and officers in the field of health education.

Justification of the need to develop professional competence in future officers

The article examines the concept of professional competence and establishes that this concept does not have an unambiguous definition. In this regard, we decided to consider it as a basic characteristic of a personality. Professional competence consists of a set of knowledge, skills and abilities that allow one to perform professional duties effectively and efficiently. It has been established that the professional competence of future officers implies the availability of a wide range of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the effective performance of military tasks and responsible decision-making in any conditions. It includes not only an understanding of military strategy and tactics, but also the ability to lead, manage personnel, make strategic decisions and resolve critical situations. The results of the analysis of the educational process of future officers of higher military educational institutions have shown that there are discrepancies between their training and the real experience they gain in full-scale military conflicts, in particular, in the field of engineering support of the National Guard of Ukraine. These discrepancies can have a significant impact on the life and health of military personnel. An empirical study was conducted to confirm the hypothesis that there are such discrepancies between the training of future officers and their actual experience in the field of engineering support of the National Guard of Ukraine. For this purpose, the methods of observation and survey were used. Based on the results of the empirical study, we can note that the training of officers needs to be adapted to modern realities and challenges. In order to achieve a high level of professional competence of future officers, it is necessary to introduce innovative technologies and teaching methods into the educational process. The issue of professional competence development is extremely relevant, especially in the context of future officers, since the security of our borders and the sovereignty of the state depend on their professional skills

Development of the Troop Readiness Evaluation With Augmented Reality Return-to-Duty (Troop READY) Platform to Aid in the Detection and Treatment of Military Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is prevalent in service members (SMs); however, there is a lack of consensus on the appropriate approach to return to duty (RTD). Head-mounted augmented reality technology, such as the HoloLens 2, can create immersive, salient environments to more effectively evaluate relevant military task performance. The Troop Readiness Evaluation with Augmented Reality Return-to-Duty (READY) platform was developed to objectively quantify cognitive and motor performance during military-specific activities to create a comprehensive approach to aid in mTBI detection and facilitate appropriate RTD. The aim of this project was to detail the technical development of the Troop READY platform, the outcomes, and its potential role in the aiding detection and RTD decision-making post mTBI. The secondary aim included evaluating the safety, feasibility, and SM usability of the Troop READY platform. The Troop READY platform comprises three assessment modules of progressing complexity: (1) Static and Dynamic Mobility, (2) Rifle Qualification Test, and (3) Small Unit Operations Capacity-Room Breach/Clearing Exercise. The modules were completed by 137 active duty SMs. Safety was assessed through monitoring of adverse events. Feasibility was assessed using the self-directed module completion rate. Usability was measured using the Systems Usability Scale. No adverse events occurred. Completion rates of the three modules ranged from 98 to 100%. In terms of usability, the mean Systems Usability Scale score of all participants was 83.92 (13.95), placing the Troop READY platform in the good-to-excellent category. Objective motor and cognitive outcomes were generated for each module. The Troop READY platform delivers self-directed, salient assessment modules to quantify single-task, dual-task, and unit-based performance in SMs. The resultant data provide insight into SM performance through objective outcomes and identify specific areas of executive or motor function that may be slow to recover following mTBI.

Twelve weeks of concurrent resistance and interval training improves military occupational task performance in men and women

ABSTRACT In the British Army, ground close combat roles have opened to women, however, they must pass the newly developed, gender-neutral Role Fitness Tests for Soldiers (RFT(S)). Due to physiological differences between sexes, training that optimally prepares both sexes for military occupational demands and the RFT(S) is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 12-week periodized strength and power programme with concurrent interval training on RFT(S) performance and determine if performance adaptations differed between sexes. 39 recruit-aged (18–35 yrs) participants, including 21 men (29 ± 1 yrs) and 18 women (27 ± 1 yrs), completed the study. Participants performed 3 training sessions per week that included strength and power resistance training followed by interval training. Pre- to post-training, improvements were observed for seated medicine ball throw (4.5%, p < 0.001), casualty drag (29.8%, p < 0.001), single lift (8.9%, p < 0.001), water can carry (13.8%, p = 0.012), repeated lift and carry (6.5%, p < 0.001), 2-km load carriage (7.2%, p < 0.001) and 2-km run (3.2%, p = 0.021). Pre- to post-training improvements were also observed for maximal squat (27.0%, p < 0.001), bench press (8.9%, p < 0.001) and deadlift (24.6%, p < 0.001) maximal strength, but not upper body power or aerobic capacity. No differences in RFT(S) improvements were observed between sexes, however men performed better than women in all RFT(S) and physical performance measures. Concurrent resistance and interval training improves military occupational performance in men and women; however, women may need more training than men to pass the gender-neutral RFT(S).

НАПРЯМ УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ СКЛАДУ ПОВСЯКДЕННОГО НАБОРУ СУХИХ ПРОДУКТІВ ДЛЯ ВІЙСЬКОВОСЛУЖБОВЦІВ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ГВАРДІЇ УКРАЇНИ НА ОСНОВІ АНАЛОГІЧНИХ НАБОРІВ СУХИХ ПАЙКІВ АРМІЙ КРАЇН-ЧЛЕНІВ НАТО

The article is devoted to the issue of determining the direction improving the composition daily set of dry products for military personnel of the NSU on the basis similar sets of dry rations armies NATO member countries and the approved norms physiological needs military personnel in basic nutrients and energy. Comprehensive and uninterrupted support forces of the security and defense sector is considered one of the main factors in the successful conduct of hostilities. The importance of the food supply system is universally recognized, and in modern conditions it acquires even greater importance, since hostilities continue in the country and, unfortunately, quite often situations arise when it is impossible to provide personnel with full hot food. This, in turn, can reduce the quality performance of military and combat tasks. The procedure for organizing food supply for military personnel of the NSU is established by the Order of the Minister of Internal Affairs dated September 14, 2015 No. 1118 "Regulations on the Food Supply of the National Guard of Ukraine in Peacetime". This order determines that for the nutrition of personnel outside the permanent deployment points, in the event that it is not possible to prepare hot food from products according to the basic norm, the personnel is provided with a daily set of dry products (PNSP) or a daily field set of products (DPNP). This is norm No. 10 and norm No. 15, which are stipulated by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated March 29, 2002. No. 426. A study of the range of basic meals that are part of the PNSP and DPNP certainly indicates the benefit of a sufficiently large number of meals that a serviceman will be able to receive. However, it should also be noted that the increase in the number names of dishes occurs, firstly, due to only the change of the "meat component" (chicken, beef, pork) and secondly, the addition one name of a vegetable to the main dish, which almost does not change taste properties of the dish, for example: "wheat porridge with chicken and vegetables" and "wheat porridge with chicken, vegetables and sweet pepper". Such an approach cannot fully take into account: firstly, the best experience of providing food to military personnel of the leading NATO member countries; secondly, the norms of physiological needs of servicemen in basic food substances and energy.

Удосконалення техніки рукопашного бою як засіб психологічної підготовки військовослужбовців до професійної діяльності

The long-term experience of physical training of the Armed Forces of foreign countries convincingly proves that hand-to-hand combat, with appropriate organization and conduct, can serve as an effective means of educating personnel in the spirit of devotion, contribute to instilling in servicemen a sense of responsibility, camaraderie and mutual assistance, loyalty to one’s duty, collectivism and cohesion. Today, when our servicemen take part in the defense of the state, it is especially important to use all possible means for the psychological readiness of servicemen in order to perform their assigned tasks in a high-quality manner. The successful performance of military tasks and the future fate of our country depend on the psychological preparedness of military personnel. The purpose of the research was to determine modern technologies and methods of improving hand-to-hand combat techniques to improve the combat and psychological training of servicemen. Research methods. To conduct the research, the methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, questionnaires among experts (15 people) and cadets-future officers (120 cadets) were used, regarding the effectiveness of the application of the training model for future officers in hand-to-hand combat in the system of physical training. The methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature were used to conduct the research. In total, more than 60 sources of information were analyzed, after which a final review was conducted and 34 literature sources were singled out, the material of which was processed using general scientific methods. The results. According to the results of the study, it was established that special physical training as an educational discipline aims to provide training of military personnel and specialists of power structures with a high level of versatile physical and psychological readiness, capable of effectively and qualitatively solving assigned tasks, to withstand mental, neuropsychological and physical stress without reducing the effectiveness of military professional activity, mastering the skills of using means of physical influence and self-defense, as well as minimizing the negative impact of the factors of the real situation on the general efficiency and combat readiness of personnel, which becomes especially relevant in the conditions of long, continuous combat operations. Conclusions. The need for the process of training the future personnel of military personnel and specialists of the security forces of Ukraine for complex forms of pedagogical activity, in which medical-biological, psychophysiological, and organizational-methodical approaches are integrated, is determined. Accounting for all the mentioned approaches in a complex is the most important condition for increasing the effectiveness of the learning process

Decreased Percent Body Fat but Not Body Mass is Associated with Better Performance on Combat Fitness Test in Male and Female Marines.

Pletcher, ER, Lovalekar, M, Coleman, LC, Beals, K, Nindl, BC, and Allison, KF. Decreased percent body fat but not body mass is associated with better performance on the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 887-893, 2023-The military uses a variety of physical fitness tests to assess physical readiness. The Marine Corps designed the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) to emphasize functional fitness related to operational demands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between body mass (BM), fat free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (BF%) measured via air displacement plethysmography with CFT performance in male and female marines. Two-hundred 10 male (22.4 ± 2.6 years) and 84 female (22.6 ± 2.8 years) marines were grouped into quintiles according to BM (in kilograms), FFM (in kilograms), and BF%. Kruskal-Wallis test or 1-way analysis of variance were used to determine if significant differences in CFT total and component scores existed between the groups of subjects classified into quintiles of BM, FFM, and BF%. No significant differences in CFT scores were observed between BM quintile in either men or women. No significant differences in CFT scores were observed between FFM quintiles in men. Total CFT score ( p = 0.002), movement to contact (MTC; p = 0.014), maneuver under fire (MANUF; p = 0.008), and ammunition lift (AL; p = 0.014) were all significantly different among FFM quintiles in women. Total CFT score ( p = 0.007), MTC ( p = 0.001), and MANUF ( p = 0.022) were significantly different among BF% quintiles in men. Total CFT score ( p = 0.008), MTC ( p = 0.033), and AL ( p = 0.016) were significantly different among BF% quintiles in women. Male and female marines in the quintile with lowest BF% had better CFT scores than those in higher quintiles. Targeted physical training and nutrition considerations to optimize BF% may help improve military task performance.

Assessment of the Level of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index of Soldiers of the Polish Air Force.

Level of physical activity positively affects health condition, correlates highly with level of physical fitness and contributes to the efficient performance of military tasks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of physical activity and body mass index of the Polish Air Force soldiers. A total of 543 professional soldiers (men) doing military service in military units of the Polish Air Force underwent the examination. The average age of examined soldiers amounted to 34.8 ± 9.0 years. In order to carry out the research, the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Out of the total of 477 questionnaires that qualified for the analysis, a high level of physical activity was found among 81.1% of subjects, moderate 10.5% and low 8.4%. Average MET values were obtained in the following: job-related, relocation (transportation), housekeeping, recreation (leisure activities and sport). The average MET values were 4173 ± 5306 MET; 2371 ± 2725 MET; 2455 ± 4843 MET; 2421 ± 2802 MET, respectively. The average level of body mass index amounted to 25.98 ± 3.38 kg/m2. The tested Air Force soldiers were generally characterized by a high and moderate level of physical activity. Generally, there was no difference in the level of physical activity between the flight crew and the ground staff.

Executive Function Level in Cadets' Shooting Performance.

Executive functions (EF) are crucial to a person’s unique abilities, enabling one to achieve goals, adapt to new situations and manage social interactions. EF are also very important for the effective performance of military tasks including the shooting performance (SP) of soldiers. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of EF with SP and gender differences in the level of these traits among cadets of the General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces in Wroclaw i.e., 156 persons (19 females and 137 males). The level of EF and processes related to attention was measured with usage of the Color Trails Test (CTT-1 and CTT-2). SP was assessed on the basis of scores from four different small arms and rifle shootings at a fixed target and at emerging targets. The relations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Spearman correlation. The variation in the mean values of CTT scores and SP of men and women was compared using the Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples. The results of the present study did not reveal any significant differences between women and men in the level of EF and SP. The key finding of the present study is that the higher SP of males in all shooting events of the study and of females in pistol shooting were significantly correlated with higher executive functions.

Multidimensional ground reaction forces and moments from wearable sensor accelerations via deep learning

Introduction: Military task performance is dependent upon the coherent and effective collaboration of its component parts. These are comprised of individuals working in coordinated teams performing tasks that are naturally variable and have physical and cognitive elements, the relative contribution being dependent upon the task. Furthermore, the battlefield is non-linear, and dynamic with human, task, environmental and informational constraints. Complexity is added to team performance assessment by the fact that there is considerable redundancy within military teams. This redundancy is critical and affords the ability for team performance to be protected even when individual performance is degraded by fatigue. The purpose of this work is to propose a conceptual framework for the assessment of military team dynamics, based upon analytical models used in sport in addition to emergent sensor technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Methods: A review of the scientific literature and the developments in team performance assessment, AI and emerging sensor technologies was conducted to inform a conceptual framework designed to assess team dynamics and redundancy in the presence of individual fatigue. Results: Current assessment of team dynamics during mission-critical tasks, the contribution of each individual, and the emergent team behaviours whilst subject to fatigue are typically limited to subjective ratings and post-activity reports. Indeed, there seems to be an institutional belief that the military already assess teams effectively and retrospective After Action Review is key to this success. As such, the ability to reliably monitor and objectively assess military team dynamics and redundancy remains a challenge. In addition, despite advancements in technology, the opportunity to conduct real-time or near real-time observations with which to provide rapid insights is yet to be taken up by the military. Discussion/conclusions: Improvements in analytical methods, sensor technologies, and the maturity of AI tools provide the opportunity to progress from simply describing individual and team performance to understanding the team dynamics by the integration of novel sensors and AI-assisted analytical tools. Devices to rapidly acquire and process data continue to evolve along with wearable, and stand-off sensors and AI-assisted tools. A peer-reviewed, conceptual, interdisciplinary framework for objectively assessing team dynamics is proposed. With careful collaboration, we suggest that the potential to enhance the understanding of team dynamics and redundancy is boundless. Notwithstanding, it is critical that defence organisations have an endorsed strategy for the acceptance and implementation of such analytical tools that would provide a clear operational benefit.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS A RESOURCE OF EFFICIENCY OF ARMED FORCES

The adoption of more efficient strategies to manage emotions is critical in combat situations for the effective accomplishment of armed forces’ missions. The purpose of the article is to conduct a systematic review of recent researches and publications that focus on the problems concerning the embedding emotional intelligence into the context of military service, and to identify the potential benefits of using emotional intelligence to enhance the efficiency of military task performance. Materials and methods. General scientific research methods, namely analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization, etc. were applied for the purpose of thorough and objective consideration, as well as generalization of the results of previously conducted researches. The material for this systematic review of scientific researches were the articles, which aimed to study the relationship between emotional intelligence and some factors that determine the effectiveness of military tasks. Results. The main characteristic of recent studies of emotional intelligence in the military perspective is their practical application, that is, the focus on the application of research results in practical activities. We have identified especially actively developing and important research areas studying the benefits of harnessing the potential of emotional intelligence in relation to 1) military leadership, including creation a shared vision, relationship building, and fostering effective teamwork; 2) human resource management policies and practices aimed at maximizing the full potential of military personnel, both within and outside the military sphere; 3) effectiveness of combat and day-to-day military tasks that are implemented owing to group cohesion, psychological well-being, and organizational commitment. But there are insufficient developed approaches to the problem of engaging the potential of emotional intelligence into military education. Conclusions. In the future, employment of the concept of emotional intelligence into a military context can serve as the basis for 1) development of an effective military personnel policies and practices; 2) maintaining and strengthening of the armed forces’ human potential due to the development of new ways to prevent the termination of contracts and dismissal of servicemen, as well as to improve their performance; 3) conflict management among military leaders and team members; 4) overcoming the challenges that military personnel face during reintegration into civilian life.

Small-incision lenticule extraction in the U.S. military: prospective study of visual and military task performance.

To assess early visual outcomes and military task performance after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) among U.S. military service members. Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program and Research Center and Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Single-center, prospective, observational study. The study was composed of active duty service members (n = 37) electing to undergo SMILE for myopia or myopic astigmatism. Testing performed preoperatively and at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, wavefront aberrometry, low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA), contrast sensitivity, and vision-related questionnaire. 14 participants underwent rifle marksmanship with spectacle correction before and without correction at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. At 3 months postoperatively, the efficacy index was 0.96 and the safety index was 1.03. UDVA was ≥20/20 in 69 (96%) of eyes. LCVA change from baseline was significant under night vision condition. Eye problems contributed to 10% work and 20% activity impairments, both of which decreased to 0% (P = .001). The overall satisfaction rating for SMILE was high at 90.9 (95% CI, 85.3 to 96.5), and 95% of participants would be willing to undergo the procedure again. The median scores between preoperative and 6 to 8 weeks postoperative firing performance were comparable (34 vs 35, with and without correction, respectively; P = .247). After the early recovery period, SMILE seems to preserve quality of vision, which appears to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks related to their work as military service members as well as performing activities outside of work.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНА (КОРПОРАТИВНА) КУЛЬТУРА ЯК ФАКТОР СЛУЖБОВОЇ ВЗАЄМОДІЇ У СЕРЕДОВИЩІ ВІЙСЬКОВО-ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

Introduction. The professional activity of servicemen is a special kind, where the coordination of their actions is important for the performance of the task, the preservation of life. This is the kind of professional activity in which mistakes of mutual understanding, inconsistency of actions are very expensive. Therefore, it is expedient and promising to focus on the peculiarities of the formation and functioning of service interaction in the military-professional environment under the influence of its existing organizational culture. Purpose. The study is driven by a desire to focus on defining organizational (corporate) culture as a factor in the existence of a military unit in general and on service interaction in the interests of the ability to perform military service tasks. Methods. To achieve the goal of the study, the following methodological tools were selected: Parametric sociometry, for which a questionnaire was developed. To assess the socio-psychological characteristics of military unit a relatively new method for research in military psychology and very well known in organizational psychology (management psychologists), namely the method of diagnosing organizational culture K. Cameron and R. Quinn OSAI (Organization Culture Assessment Instrument) was used. A survey was also conducted on the level of readiness for service of each serviceman and the intensity of service. Results. The application of these methods in the empirical study made it possible to obtain information of an empirical nature, which was processed by applying factor analysis by the method of "principal component analysis" in the software SPSS - 20. Conclusion. Service interaction of servicemen in the performance of their combat missions is extremely necessary not only to achieve appropriate results, but also to save lives. It is not common enough in the vast majority of situations. Organizational and psychological features of the formation of service interaction in the performance of military service tasks are strong formal leadership, a sufficient level of complexity, as well as the intensity of service tasks, through which servicemen are more focused on each other and, thus, more focused on better service tasks.

The Added Value of Musculoskeletal Simulation for the Study of Physical Performance in Military Tasks.

The performance of military tasks is often exacerbated by additional load carriage, leading to increased physical demand. Previous studies showed that load carriage may lead to increased risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries, a reduction in task speed and mobility, and overall performance degradation. However, these studies were limited to a non-ambulatory setting, and the underlying causes of performance degradation remain unclear. To obtain insights into the underlying mechanisms of reduced physical performance during load-carrying military activities, this study proposes a combination of IMUs and musculoskeletal modeling. Motion data of military subjects was captured using an Xsens suit during the performance of an agility run under three different load-carrying conditions (no load, 16 kg, and 31 kg). The physical performance of one subject was assessed by means of inertial motion-capture driven musculoskeletal analysis. Our results showed that increased load carriage led to an increase in metabolic power and energy, changes in muscle parameters, a significant increase in completion time and heart rate, and changes in kinematic parameters. Despite the exploratory nature of this study, the proposed approach seems promising to obtain insight into the underlying mechanisms that result in performance degradation during load-carrying military activities.

Effects of foam rolling for delayed onset muscle soreness on loaded military task performance and perceived recovery

Background/ObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of foam rolling (FR) and passive recovery (PR) on symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and military-specific performance. MethodsTwenty men and women (age: 23.6 ± 4.1 years, height: 176.4 ± 5.6 cm, and body mass: 84.7 ± 13.4 kg) completed a DOMS-inducing exercise protocol (DIP), followed by FR or PR. Four loaded military tasks (LMT) were performed 24 h later. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured during DIP and after each LMT. Rating of muscle pain (RMP) was measured prior to the LMTs and after the recovery protocols. A repeated measure analysis of variance and partial eta squared were used to compare LMT performance across baseline, FR and PR sessions. Friedman tests compared perceptual variables across baseline, FR, and PR. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test evaluated RPE during DIP, post-DIP, and post-recovery RMP between FR and PR. ResultsLMT performance times were significantly faster after FR compared to PR (stair climb: p = .038, cover position sprint: p = .011, simulated ammunition can carry: p = .003, Shuttle Run: p = .034). RPE measured during LMTs was similar across all data points. Post-recovery RMP for FR (3.0 (2.3, 4.0)) and PR (4.0 (3.0, 6.0)) were not significantly different. ConclusionFR reduced the impact of DOMS on three loaded tactical performance tasks without significant reduction in perceived soreness.

Wavefront-guided and Wavefront-optimized LASIK: Visual and Military Task Performance Outcomes.

Wavefront-guided and Wavefront-optimized LASIK: Visual and Military Task Performance Outcomes.

Effects of Task-Specific and Strength Training on Simulated Military Task Performance in Soldiers.

A soldier’s occupational physical task requirements are diverse and varied. However, the type of physical training that most effectively improves soldiers’ occupational task requirements has not been studied previously. The purpose of this study was to determine the important strength characteristics for soldiers during a repeated simulated military task course, and the type of training that may be effective to improve these abilities during a specialized military training period. Forty-two (n = 42) soldiers participated in the study. They were divided into three training groups; a soldier task-specific training group (TSG, n = 17), a strength training group (STG, n = 15), and a control group (CON, n = 10). Participants were measured before (PRE), middle (MID) and after (POST) the 12-week training intervention for strength performance and simulated military task test. Simulated military task performance improved significantly in TSG and STG between the PRE and MID measurements (from 9.4 to 15.7%). TSG and STG improved in various spilt times, especially in strength tasks; casualty drag (from 8.3 to 13.6%) and kettlebell carry (from 13.2 to 22.4%) between the PRE and MID measurements. The present study showed that both the training of TSG and STG were more effective than the training of CON (control group) in terms of improving the performance in the repeated simulated military task course. The present study showed that training of TSG was as effective as STG to improve repeated simulated military task course time. Therefore, an optimal training combination should include high-intensity simulated military task field training and strength training programmed with consideration of the military training phase and environmental possibilities.

Comparison Of Body Composition Indices For Men And Women At Two Air Force Bases

Assessment of body composition and its effect on the performance of military tasks is ongoing. Various branches of the military have relied on different techniques to assess body fat (%fat), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) in both men and women. A widely accepted technique is air displacement plethysmography (ADP), which using a mass-to-body volume ratio to determine %fat. Owing to the standard measurement procedures and accepted validity of this method, it would beneficial to compare military personnel at different bases to evaluate continuity of FFM and %fat in Air Force personnel. PURPOSE: To compare body composition components among Air Force men and women at two different bases. METHODS: Men (n = 604) and women (n = 343) were evaluated using ADP to identify FM, FFM, and %fat. Participants were stratified into 4 age groups, determined by decade, with individuals <20 yrs (n = 21) combined with the 20-29 yr-old group. Self-appraised activity groups were denoted as sedentary, low active, active, and very active based on standard criteria. Height and weight were used to calculate BMI = kg/m2. Fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were determined for each component relative to height (m2). RESULTS: A base x activity (2 × 4) MANOVA in men revealed weight, BMI, FFM, and %fat were not significantly different (p>0.21) between bases, while active and very active groups were significantly better than sedentary and low activity groups. In women, BMI, FFM, and %fat were not significantly different (p>0.14) between bases but active and very active groups were significantly better than sedentary and low activity groups. BMI had a significantly higher correlation (p<0.001) with %fat in women (r = 0.79) than in men (r = 0.68). Discriminant analysis identified %fat as the best separator of activity groups, with a better success rate for discerning between sedentary (61%) and very active women (62%) than between low active and active groups (<40%). In men, %fat was better for identifying those in the very active group (72%) compared to those in the other 3 groups (<53%). CONCLUSION: Body composition indices do not appear to differ greatly among Air Force personnel at different bases.

The Impact of Environmental Stress on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review.

In this review, we detail the impact of environmental stress on cognitive and military task performance and highlight any individual characteristics or interventions which may mitigate any negative effect. Military personnel are often deployed in regions markedly different from their own, experiencing hot days, cold nights, and trips both above and below sea level. In spite of these stressors, high-level cognitive and operational performance must be maintained. A systematic review of the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted from inception up to September 2018. Eligibility criteria included a healthy human cohort, an outcome of cognition or military task performance and assessment of an environmental condition. The search returned 113,850 records, of which 124 were included in the systematic review. Thirty-one studies examined the impact of heat stress on cognition; 20 of cold stress; 59 of altitude exposure; and 18 of being below sea level. The severity and duration of exposure to the environmental stressor affects the degree to which cognitive performance can be impaired, as does the complexity of the cognitive task and the skill or familiarity of the individual performing the task. Strategies to improve cognitive performance in extreme environmental conditions should focus on reducing the magnitude of the physiological and perceptual disturbance caused by the stressor. Strategies may include acclimatization and habituation, being well skilled on the task, and reducing sensations of thermal stress with approaches such as head and neck cooling.

СПОСІБ ВЕДЕННЯ ТЕХНІЧНОЇ РОЗВІДКИ ПІДРОЗДІЛАМИ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ГВАРДІЇ УКРАЇНИ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ БЕЗПІЛОТНИХ ЛІТАЛЬНИХ АПАРАТІВ

The organization of technical intelligence, as a component of the technical support for the performance of military and combat tasks by units and formations of the National Guard of Ukraine, does not fully meet the requirements of the present. In the course of conducting technical intelligence the object mode of intelligence organization is used. Ground intelligence agencies operating autonomously are used for conducting technical intelligence. The above-mentioned approach does not allow fully covering all the necessary objects and requires periodic redistribution of the already involved forces and means for solving suddenly emerging problems. The article discusses and introduces the implementation of a systematic way of conducting technical intelligence using unmanned aerial vehicles. The performed mathematical modeling of this method allows using quantitative indicators to substantiate the advantages of the systemic method of conducting technical intelligence in comparison with the object one. The use of a systematic method of conducting technical intelligence using unmanned aerial vehicles will increase the efficiency, the number of detection objects and the reliability of the necessary intelligence data. The implementation of a systematic way of conducting technical intelligence will enhance the autonomy of the use of technical intelligence units, the full coverage of the area of performance of military service in depth, the reduction of the time cycle of technical intelligence management and, most importantly, the achievement of a high degree of efficiency in providing information in a single system of intelligence of units and formations of the National Guard of Ukraine.