Operations Forces Research Articles

Frogmen and pirates: the utility of special operations forces for small states against for-profit, illicit networks

ABSTRACT What role can special operations forces (SOF) play against for-profit, illicit networks in operations with strict rules of engagement? How can small states utilize their SOF units to add value to a military strategy in cases where they take an active role in multinational operations? Based on in-depth interviews with members of maritime SOF units, commanding officers, and archival research, this article unearths the roles that Danish and Dutch maritime SOF units played against Somali piracy networks. Specifically, it analyses how SOF units were able to evolve their tactics, which allowed the international naval task forces to target the piracy networks’ increasingly sophisticated operations. Moreover, the article discusses other potential ways SOF units can influence for-profit, illicit networks. The case study sheds light on an aspect of the utility of SOF often overlooked in the literature, namely the ability to use discriminate and proportional violence in operations that straddle the categories of peace and war. This almost mundane use of SOF units is of special interest in relation to small states, who may take on leadership roles if they are willing to engage in the development of the operational concepts.

An Analysis of Exertional Safety After Blood Donation in Active Duty Military Personnel-A Feasibility Study.

Whole blood (WB) is the optimal resuscitation fluid in hemorrhagic shock. Military research focuses on mortality benefits of WB acquired through walking blood banks (WBBs). Few military-based studies on donation effects exist, almost exclusively performed on small special operation forces. No Department of Defense regulations for postdonation precautions in nonaviation crew members exist. Further study is warranted regarding safety and limitations in postdonation populations. A feasibility (n = 25) prospective interventional study examined the safety of exertion (defined as a 1.6-km treadmill run at volunteers' minimum passing pace for the Army Physical Fitness Test) following 1 unit of WB donation. Subjects served as their own controls, performing baseline testing 7 days before donation, with repeat testing 1 h following donation conducted by Armed Services Blood Program personnel. Adverse events, pre- and postexertion vital signs (VS) were evaluated. There were no adverse events throughout testing. Only resting heart rate (68 vs. 73 beats · min-1, p < 0.01) and postexertion heart rate were significantly different among pre- and postdonation VS. Additional significant findings were time to attain postexertion normocardia (116 vs. 147 seconds, p < 0.01). A small but statistically significant change in Borg perceived exertional scores was noted (10.3 vs. 10.8, p < 0.05). This feasibility study demonstrates the first safety test of regular military populations performing exertion immediately following the standardized WB donation. VS changes may translate into a small but significant increase in perceived postdonation exertion. Future studies should expand duration and intensity of exertion to match combat conditions.

Coordinated compliance control of dual-arm robot astronaut for payload operation

Dual-arm robot astronaut has more general and dexterous operation ability than single-arm robot, and it can interact with astronaut more friendly. The robot will inevitably use both arms to grasp payloads and transfer them. The force control of the arms in closed chains is an important problem. In this article, the coordinated kinematic and dynamic equations of the dual-arm astronaut are established by considering the closed-chain constraint relationship. Two compliance control methods for dual-arm astronaut coordinated payload manipulating are proposed. The first method is called master–slave force control and the second is the shared force control. For the former, the desired path and operational force of the master arm should be given in advance and that of slave arm are calculated from the dual-arm robot closed-chain constraint equation. In the share control mode, the desired path and end operational force of dual arms are decomposed from the dual-arm robot closed-chain constraint equation directly and equally. Finally, the two control algorithms are verified by simulation. The results of analysis of variance of the simulation data show that the two control methods have no obvious difference in the accuracy of force control but the second control method has a higher position control accuracy, and this proves that the master–slave mode is better for tasks with explicit force distribution requirements and the shared force control is especially suitable for a high-precision requirement.

Accelerated resolution therapy and a thematic approach to military experiences in US Special Operations Veterans

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an emerging therapeutic intervention that has demonstrated effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. The ART protocol aligns with first-line trauma-focused psychotherapies and clinical...

Introduction

ABSTRACT This special collection of essays explores how militaries are integrating, adapting and leveraging 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and examines the varying strategic and operational implications. Its core themes reflect on the position of the 4IR in the context of previous Revolutions in Military Affairs; a comparison between how large resource-rich states and small resource-limited states are adopting and integrating 4IR technologies; the difference between various 4IR innovation and adaptation models; and the operational implications of such technologies in terms of manpower, operational domains force structure and the application of force.

Aerial Manipulation Using Multirotor UAV: A Review from the Aspect of Operating Space and Force

Aerial manipulation: physical interaction with the environment by using a robotic manipulator attached to the airframe of an aerial robot. In the future one can expect that aerial manipulation will greatly extend the range of possible applications for mobile robotics, especially multirotor UAVs. This can range from inspection and maintenance of previously hard to reach pieces of infrastructure, to search and rescue applications. What kind of manipulator is attached to what position of the airframe is a key point in accomplishing the aerial robot’s function and in the past, various aerial manipulation solutions have been proposed. This review paper gives an overview of the literature on aerial manipulation that have been proposed so far and classifies them by configuration of the workspace and function.

Design and Modeling of a Robust Sensorless Control System for a Linear Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

The paper is concerned with designing an effective controller for a linear tubular homopolar (LT-H) motor type. The construction and operation of the LT-H motor are first described in detail. Then, the motor model is represented in the direct-quadrature (d-q) axes in order to facilitate the design of the control loops. The designed control system consists of two main loops: the current control loop and velocity adaptation loop. The determination of the regulator’s gains is accomplished through deriving and analyzing the transfer functions of the loops. To enhance the system’s robustness, a robust variable estimator is designed to observe the velocity and stator resistance. Different performance evaluation tests are performed using MATLAB/Simulink software to validate the controller’s robustness for variable-speed operation and load force changes as well. The obtained results reveal the appropriate dynamics of the motor thanks to the well-designed control system.

Changes in personality traits among candidates for special operations forces

ABSTRACT This study examines the personality traits of 32 male candidates (Age: M = 27.2, SD = 4.2) who completed an eight-month intensive training program to become operators in the Danish Naval Special Warfare Group (also known as Frogmen). The Frogmen candidates completed the Big Five Inventory (BFI) the day before the start of (T1) and at the end (T2) of the training program. For comparison, first year students from the Danish Technical University 2013 (N = 192) completed the BFI at enrollment of study (T1) and one year later (T2). The results showed that Frogman candidates at T1 had significantly higher levels of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness than the university students. Relative to the university students, the Frogmen showed higher scores in Extraversion and lower scores in Neuroticism at T2 compared to T1.

Parametrization of manual work in automotive assembly for wearable force sensing

This research aims to model manual assembly processes by parameterizing operator force readings, specifically for engine and coolant hose connections in an automotive manufacturing line. During automotive assembly, many processes are still performed manually by the human operator due to the complexity of automating the process or product with current technology. Processes include completing hose connections and subsequent “push–pull–push” verification testing. Manual work introduces an opportunity for human error because of natural variation when completing tasks; even a slight inconsistency in operation can lead to an incomplete or missed process. These incomplete processes can pass post-production checks, such as a pressure test, but later loosen and fail, causing rework or warranty issues. To minimize human error, operator force is parameterized to provide real-time feedback to the connection status. The operator force was chosen to classify connections and to verify testing quantitatively. The parametrization was completed by partitioning the shear and normal forces using custom fixtures, with shear being the primary force type required by the process. The varying finger and hand engagement for the different connector locations were factored into the parametrization to encompass a broader range of manually completed tasks. It was found that operator forces in finger engagement for manual assembly could be effectively represented by a limited set of measurable parameters.

الجهاد الإلکترونی: دراسة لتنظیم داعش، واستراتیجیة الولایات المتحدة لمواجهته

تقدم الورقة دراسة عن حالة الصراع علي الفضاء الإلکترونى ما بين الخلافة الإلکترونية لتنظيم داعش، واستراتيجية الدفاع الإلکتروني للولايات المتحدة من خلال تناول الموضوعات التالية: سياسة الجهاد الإلکترونى لتنظيم داعش، وظاهرة الذئاب المنفردة فى إطارها، وأخيرا استراتيجية الولايات المتحدة لمواجهة مثل هذا النمط من الإرهاب. يعکس استخدام تنظيم داعش للفضاء الإلکترونى تميزا واضحا على غيره من الجماعات الإرهابية الأخرى. وإن توظيف داعش للإنترنت يعکس قدرا کبيرا من الاحترافية والتعقيد فى الأداء، کما يبرز فهما عميقا عند قيادات التنظيم للروابط بين عالم الإعلام، وخاصة وسائل التواصل الاجتماعى، وعالم العمليات. لقد تمکن التنظيم الإرهابي من استخدام الإعلام لتعظيم آثار أنشطتهم العملياتية. وهناک أيضا استراتيجية داعش اللامرکزية، وقوامها الإرهاب من خلال الذئاب المنفردة، للإشارة إلى تحريض مجموعة من الأفراد على تنفيذ أعمال إرهابية بصفة منفردة، فى مناطق بعيدة، بعد أن انحسرت انتصاراته فى المناطق المحدودة الخاضعة لسيطرته، عقب إحکام جهود مکافحته وملاحقة قياداته وأتباعه وتقديمهم للمساءلة. ويکون توجيه القيادات إلکترونيا لتصنيع قنابل شديدة الانفجار بأدوات بدائية لتنفيذ الأعمال الإرهابية الخطيرة. ومن ناحية أخرى، تسعى جهود الولايات المتحدة لمکافحة داعش إلى التضييق عليه ومنع فرص انتشاره وتوغله. ولقد سعت وزارة الدفاع الأمريکية إلى دمج الإلکترونية مع قدراتها العسکرية التقليدية والتخطيط الاستراتيجى للعمليات العسکرية، ولديها فرق إلکترونية متکاملة ذات قيادة إقليمية، منتشرة خارج وداخل الولايات المتحدة. لقد ألقت الحرب علي تنظيم داعش الضوء على ضغط البنتاجون من أجل إعداد قواته لما يسمى العمليات متعددة المجالات لدمج الإلکترونية فى کل مراحل التخطيط، فضلا عن زخم غير مسبوق علي مستوى التشريعات الأمريکية لمواجهة الجريمة الإرهابية وما يرتبط بالإرهاب الإلکترونى خاصة. کلمات مفتاحية: الإرهاب الإلکترونى- الجهاد الإلکترونى- الذئاب المنفردة- الإرهاب الموجه عن بعد- متعددة المجالات. Abstract: The paper presents a study on the state of conflict in cyberspace between the cyber terrorism of ISIS and the cyber defense strategy of the United States. ISIS's use of cyberspace reflects a clear distinction from other terrorist groups. ISIS’s employment of the Internet reflects a great deal of professionalism and complexity in performance, as well as a deep understanding among the organization’s leaders of the links between the media world, especially social media, and the world of operations. The terrorist organization has been able to use the media to maximize the effects of their operational activities. There is also ISIS's decentralization strategy, which is based on terrorism through lone wolves, to refer to inciting a group of individuals to carry out terrorist acts alone, in remote areas, after ISIS victories receded in the limited areas under its control, because of tightening efforts to combat it and prosecute its leaders and followers and bring them to justice. On the other hand, the United States' efforts to combat ISIS seek to restrict it and prevent opportunities for its spread and penetration. The US Department of Defense has sought to integrate cyber with its conventional military capabilities and strategic planning for military operations, and has coherent regional-command electronic teams deployed outside and within the United States. The war on ISIS has shed light on the Pentagon's pressure to prepare its forces for so-called multi-domain operations to integrate electronic in all stages of planning, as well as an unprecedented momentum at the level of US legislation to confront terrorist crime and what is related to cyber terrorism in particular.s

Characterizing changes in network connectivity following chronic head trauma in special forces military personnel: a combined resting-fMRI and DTI study

ABSTRACT Background Soldiers are exposed to significant repetitive head trauma, which may disrupt functional and structural brain connectivity patterns. Purpose/hypothesis Integrate resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize changes in connectivity biomarkers within Canadian Special Operations Forces (CANSOF), hypothesizing that alterations in architectural organization of cortical hubs may follow chronic repetitive head trauma. Methods Fifteen CANSOFs with a history of chronic exposure to sub-concussive head trauma and concussive injuries (1.9 ± 2.0 concussions (range: [0–6])), as well as an equal age-matched cohort of controls (CTLs) were recruited. BOLD-based rs-fMRI was combined with DTI to reconstruct functional and structural networks using independent component analyses and probabilistic tractography. Connectivity markers were computed based on the distance between functional seeds to assess for possible differences in injury susceptibility of short- and long-range connections. Results/discussion Significant hyper- and hypo-connectivity differences in cortical connections were observed suggesting that chronic head trauma may predispose soldiers to changes in the functional organization of brain networks. Significant structural alterations in axonal fibers directly connecting disrupted functional nodes were specific to hyper-connected long-range connections, suggesting a potential relationship between axonal injury and increases in neural recruitment following repetitive head trauma from high-exposure military duties.

A Study of Alienation in Toni Morrison's Love: Poverty, Patriarchal Institution of Marriage and Female Friendship

This paper analyses the theme of mutual female bonding of black women in Toni Morrison's novel Love (2003). Sisterhood might be a weapon against alienation experienced by black women created by various factors as racial, gender and class injustices. However, this female friendship of black women in Morrison suffers a serious setback and changes into an alienated relationship in the long run because of powerful temptations under the canopy of the patriarchal structure of marriage and class strata. While highlighting the healing power of female companionship which may allow women to survive in the face of challenges and injustices, this study brings forth an argument that this female friendship is ultimately damaged by explicit or implicit patriarchal forces working under the platform of social institutions of marriage and class. Through this failed female friendship, Morrison warns her female readers to be on guard against the omnipresent fatal patriarchal forces in operation against them.

Sex and occupation are salient factors associated with lateral ankle sprain risk in military tactical athletes

ObjectivesTo assess the risk of lateral ankle sprain (LAS) in male and female tactical athletes across different military occupations in the US military. DesignRetrospective cohort. MethodsThe Defense Medical Epidemiology Database was queried for the number of individuals with ICD-9 diagnosis codes 845.00 (sprain of ankle, unspecified) and 845.02 (calcaneofibular ligament sprain) on their initial encounter from 2006 to 2015. Relative risk (RR) and chi-square statistics were calculated assessing sex and occupational category on LAS risk. Results272,970 enlisted males (27.9 per 1000 person-years), 56,732 enlisted females (34.5 per 1000 person-years), 24,534 male officers (12.6 per 1000 person-years), and 6020 female officers (16.4 per 1000 person-years) incurred a LAS. Enlisted females in all occupational groups were at significantly higher risk for LAS than their male counterparts (RR 1.09–1.68; p<0.001), except for Engineers (p=0.15). Female officers had consistently higher risk for LAS in all occupational groups (RR 1.10–1.42; p<0.001) compared with male officers, except Ground/Naval Gunfire (p=0.23). Contrasted with Infantry, enlisted tactical athletes in the Special Operations Forces, Mechanized/Armor, Aviation, Maintenance, and Maritime/Naval Specialties were at lower risk (RR 0.38−0.93; p<0.001), Artillery, Engineers, and Logistics Specialties were at higher risk (RR 1.04–1.18; p<0.001), and Administration, Intelligence, and Communications were no different (p=0.69). Compared with Ground/Naval Gunfire officers, Aviation officers were at significantly lower risk (RR, 0.75; p<0.001), and Engineers, Maintenance, Administration, Operations/Intelligence, and Logistics officers were at higher risk (RR, 1.08–1.20; p<0.001). ConclusionsSex and military occupation were salient factors associated with LAS risk.

A Constant-Force End-Effector With Online Force Adjustment for Robotic Ultrasonography.

In this letter, we propose a novel constant-force end-effector (CFEE) to address current limitations in robotic ultrasonography. The CFEE uses a parallel, motor-spring-based solution to precisely generate constant operating forces over a wide range and enable the ultrasound (US) probe to adapt to the abdominal contours autonomously. A displacement measurement unit was developed to realize the acquisition of probe position and precise control of the operating force. Moreover, the operating force can be adjusted online to maintain safety and continuity of operation. Simulations and experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance. Results show that the proposed CFEE can provide constant forces of 4-12 N with displacements of 0-8 mm. The maximum relative error of force generation is 8.28%, and the accuracy and precision for displacement measurement are 0.29 mm and ±0.16 mm, respectively. Various operating forces can be adjusted online during the same operation. Ultrasound images acquired by the proposed CFEE are of equally good quality compared to a manual sonographer scan. The proposed CFEE would have potential further medical applications.

АНАЛІЗ ПІДХОДІВ ДО ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ПРИРОДИ ФРУСТРАЦІЇ В ТЕОРІЇ І ПРАКТИЦІ ПСИХОЛОГІЧНОЇ ДУМКИ

The specifics of the activities of servicemen of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine determine the need to develop resistance to frustration. The spy's reaction to this psychological state depends on the level of frustrating tolerance, the development of which depends on individual psychological personality traits, which create resistance to frustrators and make it easier to adapt to adverse combat conditions, training and work experience. The negative impact and destructive nature of frustration on the effectiveness of the tasks assigned to the personnel of special intelligence units of the Special Operations Forces require a study of the nature of frustration.Purpose. Retrospective analysis of the process of formation of the theory of frustration in the context of different psychological directions and schools, consideration of different approaches to the interpretation of the phenomenon of frustration and the formation of frustration tolerance. Methods.The theoretical methods of research were used to solve the problems set in the work: analysis of scientific sources on the problem of research, synthesis, comparison, generalization.Originality. Analytics, the approach to representing the interface in theories and the practicality of psychological thought, provide an opportunity to explore the nature of the emerging phenomenon in the context of a separate special repository of Special Forces.Conclusion:1. Comparative analysis of approaches to determining the phenomenon of frustration allows us to identify three main periods in the history of the study of this phenomenon in the theory and practice of psychological thought: theoretical, experimental or laboratory and modern. Despite a rather long period of research into this phenomenon, its interpretation and psychological content remain controversial.2. In further research, we consider it appropriate to consider frustration as a mental state of personality, which is expressed in the characteristics of experiences and behavior and which is caused by objectively insurmountable (or perceived subjectively) difficulties on the way to achieving the goal or to problem solving.3. A wide range of tasks defined by the SSPO of the Law of Ukraine of July 7, 2016 № 1437-VIII “On Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine” on the one hand, and the specifics of performing tasks in small groups, in a constant hostile environment , in isolation from the main forces on the other hand, requires finding ways to develop frustrating tolerance at the stage of preparation for the assigned tasks.We see prospects for further research in the study of the psychological nature, content and structure of the phenomenon of frustration

The Physical Parameters of Tactical Climbing and Performance Characteristics of Naval Special Warfare Operators.

Wood, DE and Swain, DP. The physical parameters of tactical climbing and performance characteristics of naval special warfare operators. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 949-954, 2021-Vertical elevation may be critical for advantage to Special Operation Forces and require strength, power, endurance, and technique. This study sought to (a) study differences in physical capacities of Naval Special Warfare lead climbers from nonlead climbers, (b) compare anthropometrics of lead climbers from nonlead climbers, and (c) catalogue the types and weights of the various climbing systems to assess total system weight to the lead climber's body mass. Climbing surveys were collected and retrospective physical capacity data from 15 SEa, Air and Land lead climbers (age: 31.2 ± 5.1 years; height: 181.4 ± 6.4 cm; mass: 89.4 ± 10.0 kg; body fat: 14.1 ± 3.7%) were compared against previously reported data of 305 nonlead climbers (age: 28.8 ± 5.2 years; height: 177.6 ± 12.0 cm; mass: 85.8 ± 9.7 kg; body fat: 17.3 ± 4.7%). Lead climbers had significantly less body fat percentage (p = 0.017). Lead climbers also performed significantly better on the pro-agility test (p = 0.017) and deadlift (p = 0.002). The total mass reported for the climbing equipment for each tactical scenario was up to 4.9 kg for urban climbing, up to 13.7 kg for alpine climbing, and up to 8.0 kg for maritime climbing. With a typical combat load of 21.4 kg, adding an alpine climbing load exceeds one-third of the lead climbers' own body mass. Strength and conditioning programming for this population should take into consideration the total system weight for testing and training purposes and should also consider climbing-specific strength testing and training to optimize climbing capability.

Observing primordial magnetic fields through Dark Matter

Primordial magnetic fields are often thought to be the early Universe seeds that have bloomed into what we observe today as galactic and extra-galactic magnetic fields. Owing to their minuscule strength, primordial magnetic fields are very hard to detect in cosmological and astrophysical observations. We show how this changes if a part of neutral Dark Matter has a magnetic susceptibility. In this way, by studying Dark Matter one can obtain information about the properties of primordial magnetic fields, even if the latter have a comoving amplitude B0 ≲ 0.01 nG. In our model Dark Matter is a stable singlet scalar χ, which interacts with electromagnetism through the Rayleigh operator as χ2FμνFμν/Λ2. For primordial magnetic fields present in the early Universe this operator forces the Z2-symmetry of the model to be spontaneously broken. Later, when the primordial magnetic field redshifts below a critical value, the symmetry is restored through an “inverse phase transition”. At that point the field χ begins to oscillate and acts as a “magnetomorphic” Dark Matter component, inheriting the properties of the primordial magnetic field space distribution. In particular, for a nearly flat spectrum of magnetic field fluctuations, the scalar χ carries a statistically anisotropic isocurvature mode. We discuss the parameter space of the model and consider the possibility that the bulk of the Dark Matter is composed of the same particles χ produced via the freeze-in mechanism.

SUCCESSES AND FAILURES BORNE OUT OF HAVING OR NOT HAVING MULTI-AGENCY LAWS, POLICIES, DOCTRINES, AND STRATEGIES REGARDING TERROR RESPONSE COORDINATION

Terrorism has had been a real menace facing Kenya over the years.The study question sought to find out the successes and failures borne out of having/not having multi-agency laws, policies, doctrines and strategies regarding terror response coordination.Based on the mixed methods and exploratory research designs data was collected from a sample of 97. These were drawn from a target population of 3400 which included all the members of the Kenya Defense Forces Special Operations Forces (KDF SoFs), the National Police Service (NPS) Recce squad, ATPU Officers, policy level military, intelligence and police officersand a few members of academia. The target population is estimated at 3400 personnel from which a sample of 97 was obtained. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interviews whilesecondary data was also obtained using desk review of relevant literature. Data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings show that the existence of structural and legal frameworks guiding multi-agency operations on countering terrorism in Kenya had led to effective response through standardizations of operation guidelines, better sharing of information, joint training and exchange of best practices among the various responders. This was evidenced in the Dusit D2 Attack in which synchronization of operations showed better response to the attack by the various operational and tactical teams as compared to the Westgate Attack. Lastly, it is evident that Kenya is yet to know that it has dealt with the terrorism menace. This can only be attested when the country stays for a long period of time without an attack, say more than 5 years.Basedon the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made. There is need for domesticating the existentstructural and legal frameworks guiding multi-agency operations on countering terrorism in Kenya so as to enhance the effectiveness of response to terrorism through standardizations of operation guidelines, better sharing of information, joint training and exchange of best practices among the various responders. Regular review of any gaps in the existing structural and legal frameworks should be undertaken and measures put in place to bridge those gaps through continuous legislation.

Approach and maneuver for failed spacecraft de-tumbling via space teleoperation robot system

Using the space robot to rescue the failed spacecraft is one of the manipulations for on-orbit servicing of high-value spacecraft. The primary condition for space servicing is to reduce the angular velocity of the failed spacecraft, i.e. de-tumbling. Unlike other existing studies that mostly support the mode of autonomous de-tumbling, continuous output force/torque, and considering the insufficient intelligence of space robot, a space teleoperation robot system (STRS) is preferable to the simple remote control. This work provides a maneuver of forcedly contact for the de-tumbling process under discontinuous control torque. Concretely speaking, firstly, the capturing strategy is designed based on the failed spacecraft characteristic of quality and nutation. Then, the scheme of the flexible brush-type contact de-tumbling is proposed, in which the flexible brush adheres to the terminal manipulator. Through multiple contacts between the flexible brush and the marked point at the edge of the solar array via teleoperation, the angular velocity of the failed spacecraft is decreased to the desired value. Meanwhile, the system also offers the ability that enables the angular velocity to be decreased when there is an operation force deviation. The effectiveness of the maneuver is validated by simulation results. The results indicate that the angular velocity of failed spacecraft can be reduced to the value, which is a suitable condition for capturing after conducting a de-tumbling operation.

Previous Military Medical Exposure as a Motivator for a Medical Career.

A variety of factors influence the motivation to choose a medical career; however, the influence of premedical experiences on health professional trainees' choices is a neglected one. We hypothesize that medical exposure during service in the Israeli Air Force special operations forces (SOFs) has an impact on motivation for medical studies. The Israeli scenario, in which career choice is anteceded by substantial military experience, allows us to examine this hypothesis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among physicians and medical students who served as operators in the Israeli Air Force SOF; Unit 669 (an airborne combat search and rescue unit), and Shaldag (an airborne SOF unit). All medical students and physicians enlisted between January 2001 and December 2010 were eligible for enrollment. Of over 700 operators screened, 3.7% of Shaldag veterans and 11.1% of Unit 669 veterans had started or finished medical school (P-value < 0.001). Overall, 49 veterans answered the questionnaire and enrolled in the study, of whom 17 (34.7%) were Shaldag veterans and 32 (65.3%) were Unit 669 veterans. Subjective questions implied a significant effect of the service in Unit 669 on career choice. Paramedics had a relative risk of becoming physicians of 7.37 when compared to nonparamedic operators, irrespective of their original unit. Medical exposure of Unit 669 operators during military service significantly contributed to their motivation for becoming physicians. Thus, military service in this setting acts de facto as an effective medical immersion program. This adds another factor to the myriad of factors that motivate young adults in their choice of a medical career.