Simulated Combat Research Articles

Combat Medic-Performed Auscultation Versus Thoracic Ultrasound Image Interpretation for Pneumothorax Detection: Look or Listen?

Background Pneumothorax (PTX) is a potentially life-threatening condition encountered by U.S. Army combat medics on the battlefield. PTX, when left untreated, can progress to tension PTX, a leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield which can be difficult to diagnose based on physical exam alone due to variable physical exam findings. Prior literature shows medics can accurately use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to diagnose PTX in cadaver and porcine models; however, no studies have directly compared the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound (US) and physical exams performed by this population. We sought to compare medic diagnostic accuracy of a simulated PTX using these two diagnostic modalities. Methodology We conducted a prospective, observational study in which medics from the Flight Paramedic Program at Joint Base San Antonio-Sam Houston, TX received a standardized 30-minute training on physical exam and US diagnosis of PTX, followed by a 20-minute hands-on US familiarization session. Participants were then randomly selected into cohorts to evaluate 12 high-fidelity manikin lung fields and 12 thoracic US video clips for the presence of PTX in a simulated combat environment. Cohorts evaluated the same manikins and thoracic US video clips but in opposing sequences. Our primary outcome compared the sensitivity and specificity of PTX identification via thoracic US image interpretation and physical exam. Results In total, 21 medics evaluated 252 hemithoraces and interpreted 252 thoracic US images.We found a statistically significant difference favoring medics' sensitivity with US image interpretation over physical exam to detect PTX (85.7% vs. 72.4%, p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in specificity between these modalities (81.9%vs. 69.4%, p = 0.139). Conclusions After brief training, medics demonstrated greater sensitivity to detect PTX using thoracic US image interpretation compared to physical exam in a simulated combat environment.Further studies involving medics' ultrasound image acquisition capability in human patients in austere combat environments are warranted.

Warm-up music and low-dose caffeine enhance the activity profile and psychophysiological responses during simulated combat in female taekwondo athletes

To assess the effects of warm-up music and low dose (3 mg·kg−1) of caffeine (CAF) on female taekwondo athlete’s activity profile and psychophysiological responses during simulated combat. In a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study, 16 female athletes participated in simulated combats under one control and 5 experimental conditions [i.e., CAF alone (CAF), placebo alone (PL), CAF with music (CAF + M), PL with music (PL + M), and no supplement with music (M)]. After warming-up, athletes rated their felt arousal (FAS). Mean (HRmean) and peak (HRpeak) heart rate values were determined for each combat. After fighting, athletes rated their perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), FAS, and physical enjoyment (PACES). Time-motion and technical-tactical variables were analyzed. CAF + M induced shorter skip and pause time, while attack time increased compared to other conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAF + M increased single attacks, combined attacks, counter-attacks (p < 0.001), and defensive actions (p < 0.05) than other conditions. HRmean and HRpeak were lower under CAF + M than other conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher FAS post-combat, FS, and PACES were observed under CAF + M, while RPE was lower (except CAF condition) compared to the other conditions (p < 0.05.Using CAF with warm-up music may increase combat cadence and improve the psychological state in female athletes more effectively than either strategy alone.

Reliability of simulated combat tasks performed by Brazilian Air Force cadets

The Brazilian Air Force (BAF) has developed physical evaluations focused on the demands required in combat scenarios, giving rise to the Simulated Tasks (STs). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine test-retest reliability and investigate learning effects of the five STs established among the BAF. Fifty-six subjects performed five STs three times, after completing a previous familiarisation session. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the occurrence of learning effects, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to identify the reliability of each ST. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in the subject’s scores across trials for all the STs, and the ICCs ranged from 0.75 to 0.92 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this study identified that the five STs showed no learning effects across three successive trials and exhibited high levels of reliability.

Practical internal and external cooling methods do not influence rapid recovery from simulated taekwondo performance

Background/ObjectivesThe influence of post-exercise cooling on recovery has gained much attention in the empirical literature, however, data is limited in regards to optimizing recovery from taekwondo performance when combat is repeated in quick succession within the same day. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the effects of external and internal cooling after simulated taekwondo combat upon intestinal temperature (Tint), psychomotor skills (reaction time, response time, movement time), and neuromuscular function (peak torque, average power, time to reach peak torque). MethodsUsing a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, 10 well-trained male taekwondo athletes completed four recovery methods on separate occasions: passive recovery (CON), a 5-minute thermoneutral water immersion (35°C) (TWI), a 5-min cold water immersion (15°C) (CWI), and ice slurry ingestion (-1°C) (ICE; consumed every 5 min for 30 min). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (Blac) concentrations, and Tint were determined at rest, immediately after combat, and at selected intervals during a 90-min recovery period. Neuromuscular functional (measured with isokinetic dynamometer) and psychomotor indices were assessed at baseline and after the recovery period. ResultsICE led to a significantly lower Tint at 30 min (P<0.01) and 45 min (P<0.01) after simulated combat; 15-30 min after cessation of ingesting ice slurry, compared with the CON and TWI conditions, respectively. However, there were no differences in Tint across time points between the other conditions (P>0.05). Psychomotor skills and neuromuscular function indices returned to baseline values after the 90 min recovery period (P>0.05) with no differences observed between conditions (P>0.05). ConclusionThe present findings suggest that internal (ICE) and external (CWI) recovery methods appear to have little impact on physiological and functional indices over the time course required to influence repeated taekwondo combat performance.

Initial report on special operations clinical training at a civilian academic medical center.

Military-civilian partnerships for combat casualty care skills training have mostly focused on traditional, combat surgical team training. We sought to better understand US Special Forces (SF) Medics' training at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, a Level 1 trauma center, via assessments of medical knowledge, clinical skills confidence, and technical performance. Special Forces Medics were evaluated using posttraining medical knowledge tests, procedural skills confidence surveys (using a 5-point Likert scale), and technical skills assessments using fresh perfused cadavers in a simulated combat casualty care environment. Data from these tests, surveys, and assessments were analyzed for 18 consecutive SF medic rotations from the calendar years 2019 through 2021. A total of 108 SF Medics' tests, surveys, and assessments were reviewed. These SF Medics had an average of 5.3 years of active military service; however, deployed experience was minimal (73% never deployed). Review of knowledge testing demonstrated a slight increase in mean test score between the precourse (80% ± 14%; range, 50-100%) when compared with the postcourse (82% ± 14%; range, 50-100%). Skills confidence scores increased between courses, specifically within the point of injury care ( p = 0.09) and prolonged field care ( p < 0.001). Technical skills assessments included cricothyroidotomy, chest tube insertion, and tourniquet placement. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting military-civilian partnerships at an academic Level 1 trauma center to provide specialty training to SF Medics as demonstrated by increase in medical knowledge and confidence in procedural skills. Additional opportunities exist for the development technical skills assessments. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

(Role)playing soldier: LARP, simulated combat, and gender at war

ABSTRACT This paper examines pleasure and combat in the context of North American East Coast boffer combat larp. Based on ethnographic research conducted in US East Coast larping communities, I investigate how live-action role-players (larpers) use larp to explore fictional violence and the experience of the imagined combatant. I demonstrate how, through collaborative play and performance, larpers explore not only the tragedy of war but the pleasures of teamwork, community, and individual self-worth. I further explore how women and underrepresented genders make spaces for themselves by challenging sexist notions of physical fitness, capacity for violence, and leadership. I show how these interactions foster networks of personal and communal pleasure that depend on a/n (re)imagining of warfare, strife, and death: combat, creativity, and collaborative play generate complex relationships between violence, community, and the imaginary world of fictionalised battle. However, within this discussion, I ultimately suggest that ‘(role)playing at war’ creates spaces of camaraderie while simultaneously normalising violence. I problematise larp violence as an activity that resists generalised definitions of violent play and pleasure.

Role Assignment Mechanism of Unmanned Swarm Organization Reconstruction Based on the Fourth Directed Motif.

With the rapid development of intelligent unmanned technology, unmanned combat swarms are faced with a highly aggressive, highly uncertain, and highly dynamic battlefield environment, and the operation mode of unmanned combat has gradually shifted from single-platform operations to swarm networking collaboration combat development. Aiming at the typical characteristics of the unmanned swarm combat system, this paper proposes a role assignment model for organizational reconfiguration at the swarm layer and builds an unmanned swarm organization reconfiguration role-assignment mechanism model (SORAM) based on the fourth-order directed motif. The method starts from the organizational domain of the swarm system and takes the task as the the dependent variable of the role assignment of the swarm organization, quantifies the importance of the motif from a statistical point of view, and establishes a multi-objective model considering the similarity of the structure. The swarm reconfiguration role optimization method of SR-NSGA-2 provides a reference for the online adaptation of the swarm links. Finally, combined with a simulated combat simulation case, the usability and effectiveness of the method are tested.

Comparing Team Performance Constructs Involved in Ground Combat and a Ground Combat Simulator

This paper aims at exploring whether a single team performance management system could effectively monitor team communication within active firefights in both real and simulated environments. While individual skills training in military settings has undergone extensive research, work focused on contrasting team constructs within real and simulated combat has seen comparatively little development. One hour of firefight footage taken from US Army engagements and one hour of firefight footage taken from groups using the ground combat simulator ARMA 3 were reviewed. Analysis revealed that the team metrics recorded by team performance measurement system are similar in quality and quantity. While this was an early exploratory study, these preliminary results support the proposition that teamwork in real and simulated ground combat environments is similar enough to use common metrics between them. These results may indicate a potential for more effective cross-training of military teams in simulated environments.

Acute Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Physical Performance, Physiological Responses, Perceived Exertion, and Technical-Tactical Skills in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although the effects of caffeine supplementation on combat sports performance have been extensively investigated, there is currently no consensus regarding its ergogenic benefits.This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to summarize the studies investigating the effects of caffeine supplementation on different aspects of performance in combat sports and to quantitatively analyze the results of these studies to better understand the ergogenic effect of caffeine on combat sports outcomes. A systematic search for randomized placebo-controlled studies investigating the effects of caffeine supplementation on combat sports’ performance was performed through Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases up to 18 April 2022. Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean differences (Hedge’s g) were performed to analyze the data. Twenty-six studies of good and excellent methodological quality (based on the Pedro scale) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results revealed caffeine has a small but evident effect size (ES) on handgrip strength (ES = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.52; p = 0.02), and total number of throws during the special judo fitness test (SJFT) (ES = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.78; p = 0.02). Regarding the physiological responses, caffeine increased blood lactate concentration ([La]) in anaerobic exercise (ES = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.18; p = 0.01) and simulated combat (ES = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.47; p = 0.002). For Heart Rate (HR), caffeine increased HR final (ES = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.52; p = 0.003), and HR 1min (ES = 0.20; 95% CI 0.004 to 0.40; p = 0.045). However, caffeine had no impact on the countermovement jump height, the SJFT index, the judogi strength-endurance test, the number and duration of offensive actions, HR at the end of the fight, and the rating of perceived exertion. Caffeine supplementation may be ergogenic for a range of combat sports aspects involving isometric strength, anaerobic power, reaction time, and anaerobic metabolism. However, supplementation effects might be ineffective under certain circumstances, indicating supplementation needs to take into account the performance metric in question prior to creating a dosing protocol.

Physiological Demands and Characteristics of Movement During Simulated Combat.

Military tasks place considerable physiological demands on the soldier. It is therefore important to know the energy expenditure of soldiers while solving tasks in different environments. The purpose of this study was to describe the cardiorespiratory demands of certain movements and activities on ground combat soldiers during military field operations using body sensors and simulated combat. Movement characteristics and cardiorespiratory responses were assessed in 42 soldiers (three women) in the Swedish Army. The different posts assessed were commander, combat engineer, driver, and gunner. The military field exercises examined were urban operations and retrograde operations in rough terrain. Measurements included (1) body mass, (2) heart rate (HR) including maximal (HRmax), (3) velocity, (4) accelerations/decelerations, and (5) distance moved. Maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2peak, mL·kg-1·min-1) was tested in a laboratory setting when wearing combat gear and body armor. There was a weak positive correlation (r = 0.41 and 0.28, both P < .05) between VO2peak and percentage of time over 40% and 50% of maximal aerobic capacity during simulated combat. No differences were found for the different posts in time spent over 40% or 50% of maximal aerobic capacity and 76% of their HRmax (P > .05). Wearing combat gear and additional load while solving tasks resulted in mean HR varying between 98 and 111 beats·min-1, corresponding with 50-57% of the soldiers HRmax. Studying all exercises, mean HR was 105 ± 11 beats min-1, 54 ± 5% of HRmax corresponding to light work intensity. Soldiers performed between 2.8 and 4.9 accelerations/min in the different exercises. A significant correlation between V̇O2peak (mL kg-1 min-1) and acceleration and m/min were found, implying that soldiers with good aerobic capacity were able to cope better with tasks requiring quick movements. Conducting military operations in urban terrain and retrograde operations in rough terrain strains ground combat soldiers' cardiorespiratory system, with work intensities close to 40% of maximal aerobic capacity in 15-33% of mission time. Tasks with external load carriage include change of direction, accelerations, bounds, and jumping over obstacles, and physical fitness tests should replicate this. Findings in this study also add objective data to the physiological demands of work performed by combat soldiers while conducting urban operations and retrograde operations in rough terrain. These findings could be used to develop a model for classifying work demands for ground combat forces.

The impact of expressive flexibility and self-control on moral competence following exposure to simulated combat-like environments in 18-22-year-old U.S. Military Recruits

The impact on moral competence following exposure to combat-like environments can be found in soldier narratives, however, limited scientific research investigates such effects. Moreover, the influence of one’s expressive flexibility and self-control on moral competence following combat-like environments is unknown. Employing a univariate design, this study recruited 107 participants (i.e., ages 18 to 22) from a private U.S. Military university to examine the impact on moral competence, including potential moderating effects of expressive flexibility and self-control, following exposure to combat-like environments. To simulate a combat-like environments, participants were placed in either immersive (i.e., Bravemind) or non-immersive (i.e., Virtual Battlespace 3) virtual environments. Self-reported expressive flexibility, self-control, and moral competence were assessed. Results revealed that following exposure to combat-like environments, an individual’s moral competence increased. A main effect of self-control on moral competence indicated that an individual’s self-control directly effects an individual’s moral competence. Findings from this study offers a richer comprehension of how, following simulated combat environments, moral competence can be influenced, and how expressive flexibility and self-control can aid in protecting mental health and wellbeing, even in judging moral dilemmas.

Effect of cryotherapy on post-exercise cardiac autonomic recovery in mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Cryotherapy brings benefits for muscle recovery and reduction of lactate thresholds in fighters; however, the effect of cryotherapy on the autonomous cardiac recovery (ACR) of wrestlers is not yet defined in the scientific literature. Objective: To analyze the effect of cryotherapy on ACR after simulated combat exercise in mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. Methods: Crossover randomized clinical trial with a sample of 17 MMA fighters (male, age &gt;18 years). There was simulated combat of three rounds of MMA; each round lasted 5-min, there were the 60s between rounds. ACR was assessed by resting heart rate (RHR), which was monitored by a portable Polar-FT1® device. We measured RHR in the interval between the rounds at the 30s and 60s of rest in the conditions: without cryotherapy (Control), application of an ice pack in the thoracic region (TC); Immersion of feet in ice water (FC). Results: At 30-s of RHR, the control condition was better than FC to reduce RHR in rounds 1 and 2 (p&lt;0.05; η2p:0.28). At the 60s of RHR, the control condition was better than FC and TC (p&lt;0.05; η2p:0.32). The control condition had a better RHR recovery rate than the FC condition after rounds one (η2p: 0.23), two (η2p: 0.46), and three (η2p: 0.27) (p&lt;0.05). The TC condition did not show differences concerning the control and FC conditions. Conclusion: Cryotherapy applications in the thoracic region and by complete immersion of the feet did not generate significant effects on the ACR of MMA fighters.

Military Marking Round Injury to the Globe

Marking cartridges are an increasingly popular form of nonlethal training munitions used primarily for military live-fire simulations. We report a case of ocular trauma due to such a projectile, resulting in the complete loss of vision and placement of a scleral shell. A 20-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity in his right eye after being struck at close range by a marking cartridge during military training. Computed tomography imaging revealed a retained metallic foreign body within a deflated right globe, prompting emergent exploration and repair of the right globe. Postoperative course was complicated by pain and pruritis which resolved over a period of months. Nonlethal weapons, such as marking cartridges, are increasingly used for civilian crowd control as well as military and law enforcement training. Despite guidelines mandating the use of personal protective equipment with marking cartridges, eye protection may not be consistently used during simulated combat exercises. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first formal report of ocular injury due to this type of ammunition. Based on this case, we discuss other similar types of nonlethal munition used by military and law enforcement, their risks to the eye and orbit, and what steps may be undertaken to reduce future injury.

Impact of a Digital Cognitive Aid on the Performance of Military Healthcare Teams During Critical Care Management in a Warfront Injury Situation: A Simulation Randomized Controlled Study.

Initial healthcare delivery after warfront injury is unpredictably challenging for military forces. As preparatory training, healthcare providers use simulation to improve their performance in stressful critical situations. This study investigated whether a digital CA held by the team leader improved performance in simulated combat casualty care. This randomized controlled trial was performed during a combat casualty training course for military physicians and nurses in France. Each pair of care providers completed 2 scenarios randomized to be undertaken either with or without a digital CA. The primary end point was the technical performance evaluated from a video recording by 2 independent raters using a pre-established score grid (up to 100%) according to military protocols. The secondary end point was the nontechnical performance (TEAM scale, maximum: 54 points). Thirty-six pairs of participants were included. Use of the digital CA improved both technical (74% vs 53%, P < 0.001) and nontechnical (42 vs 32, P < 0.001) performance. The digital CA improved technical and nontechnical performance during training of medical care for military combat casualties. Use of a dedicated digital CA might improve care in a combat environment. This study is a randomized controlled trial.

The effects of grit and resilience on moral competence following simulated combat exposure

ABSTRACT Individuals exposed to combat-like environments are often challenged with moral conflict. The scientific investigation of moral competence on adverse environments is limited, although soldier narratives have shown how, in combat, military personnel must face challenging moral dilemmas. Additionally, the impact of grit and resilience on moral competence following combat-like environments is unknown. Recruiting 107 participants from a private US Military university, this study investigated the impact of moral competence, including the moderating effects of grit and resilience, following exposure to combat-like environments. To simulate a combat-like environment, participants were placed in either an immersive (i.e., Bravemind) or non-immersive (i.e., Virtual Battlespace 3) environment. Self-reported resilience, grit, and moral competence were measured using Resilience Scale for Adults, the Grit Scale, and the Moral Competence Test, respectively. Findings showed that following exposure to simulated combat-like environments, moral competence scores were higher in participants exposed to combat-like environments. Furthermore, results revealed a main effect of grit on moral competence, suggesting that grit could have functioned as a buffer following simulated combat. These findings can provide a richer understanding of how, following combat-like environments, moral competence can be impacted and how grit and resilience can help protect the ability to successfully face moral dilemmas.

Effect of a Short HIIT Program with Specific Techniques on Physical Condition and Activity during Simulated Combat in National-Level Boxers

The present study investigated the effect of an additional short-duration HIIT program using boxing-specific techniques on activity during a simulated competition. Additionally, we investigated the impact on physical fitness, specifically aerobic performance and lower-body muscle power. Sixteen boxers were randomized into a control (n = 8) or experimental groups (n = 8). The experimental protocol consisted of 3 blocks of 5 repetitions of 30s all-out effort, with 6s recovery between repetitions and 1 min rest interval between blocks, conducted 3 days per week for 4 weeks. A two-way (group, two levels; moment, two levels) analysis of variance with repeated measurements in the second factor was used. For the experimental group, there was a change in body mass (ES = −0.13 (trivial)), body fat percentage (ES = −0.12 (trivial)), VO2max (ES = +0.42 (small)), CMJ (ES = +0.12 (trivial)), CMJ-left (ES = −0.11 (trivial)), CMJ-right (ES = +0.22 (trivial)), actions (ES = +0.68 (moderate)), time (ES = −0.29 (small)) and punches (ES = +0.56 (moderate)). For the control group, there was a change in body mass (ES = +0.04 (trivial)), body fat percentage (ES = −0.12 (trivial)), VO2max (ES = +0.11 (trivial)), CMJ (ES = −0.27 (small)), CMJ-left (ES = −0.39 (small)), CMJ-right (ES = +0.08 (trivial)), actions (ES = +0.08 (trivial)), time (ES = −0.65 (moderate)) and punches (ES = −0.57 (moderate)). The punches variable was significant concerning group-by-time interaction (F1,14 = 11.630; p = 0.004; n2 = 0.454). The present study indicated that the addition of a boxing-specific HIIT program is effective to increase the number of punches during a simulated match.

Implementation of an Automated Fire Support Planner

Although the employment of fire support is a staple of modern military doctrine, today's constructive combat simulations depend on meticulous human input to generate any appropriate fire support plans. This status quo can be improved through AI techniques. We implement models of tactical risk, reduction of risk, and suppression effects in a representative combat simulation, as well as a greedy fire support planning algorithm that leverages these concepts. The algorithm is theoretically non-optimal, but testing shows that the resulting fire support plans are effective at improving simulated combat results and have some realistic emergent properties. The practical running time of the planner is less than 20 seconds for a company-sized unit, including navigation graph setup. The planner's best-first approach scales naturally in more time-constrained environments.

Playing videogames or using social media applications on smartphones causes mental fatigue and impairs decision-making performance in amateur boxers

This study aimed to analyze the effect of playing videogames and using social media applications on smartphones on decision-making and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in amateur boxers. Twenty one boxers were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to all three experimental conditions [smartphone (30SMA), videogame (30VID), and control (CON)]. CMJ was measured before and 30-min after each experimental condition. The athletes ran simulated combat recorded for decision-making analysis. The boxers watched coaching videos (CON), used social media applications on smartphones (30SMA), and played video games (30VID) for 30 min just before the combat simulation. Both attack and defense decision-making performance were worse in both 30SMA and 30VID conditions compared to the CON condition (p = 0.001). Regarding CMJ, despite no condition effect (p = 0.96) been obtained, a time effect (p = 0.001) was observed; So, it was found a decrease in CMJ performance after all experimental conditions (p = 0.001), with no difference between them. Using social media applications on smartphones and playing video game impairs decision-making performance in amateur boxers, with no harms for CMJ performance.

МОДЕЛЬ ТРЕНАЖЕРА БОЙОВОЇ ГУСЕНИЧНОЇ МАШИНИ, ЯК ЕЛЕМЕНТА ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЇ ТРЕНАЖЕРНОЇ СИСТЕМИ

The article analyzes the ergatic system «man-machine-environment» in order to build a model of a combat tracked vehicle simulator as an element of the system «crew-combat tracked vehicle-combat situation-environment». A description of a simulated combat tracked vehicle is made as an object of control of the operator of a combat tracked vehicle simulator, as a subject of control with the definition of a person’s role in this system. In the course of the study, it was determined that the combat tracked vehicle simulator should be considered as a system with a complex internal structure. It is advisable to divide this system into two subsystems: the first subsystem is dynamic, this subsystem includes the dynamic platform of the simulator; the second subsystem is informational, in this subsystem the level of conformity of the conceptual model of machine control to the expected control result and the degree of achievement of the control goal is assessed. It should be noted that the dynamic and information subsystems are in constant close interaction with each other and determine the hierarchical structure of the simulator. The very same hierarchical structure of the simulator consists of two levels: dynamic and information-guiding. The directions of further research have been determined, which will ensure maximum correspondence between the simulated and real combat tracked vehicle. Namely, it is necessary to construct a spatial model of the movement of a combat tracked vehicle in a terrain with a complex profile, which will include modeling the oscillations of the vehicle body while moving on the surface of a complex profile and the dynamic effect of braking and acceleration of the vehicle on body oscillations. Keywords: combat tracked vehicle, operator, ergatic system, intelligent training system, system analysis, control object, control subject.

0219 Subjective Sleep Quality Measured Before, Predicts Psychological Safety After Simulated Combat Training. Testing the Bidirectional Link Between Sleep and Social Processes in the Military Operational Context

Abstract Introduction The research on sleep in the social-psychological domain is sparse. Gordon and colleagues (Gordon, Mendes, &amp; Prather, 2017) proposed a bidirectional relationship between sleep and social processes. The current research tests this model in the military by examining the relationship between subjective sleep quality and an important social cognitive process in the contexts of military teams - psychological safety (i.e., an individual’s perceptions of interpersonal threat in their work environment; Edmondson, 1999). Methods One hundred and twenty-eight U.S. Army tank crewmen were surveyed prior to (T1), and immediately after (T2), participating in a two-week simulated combat training exercise. Each survey included the seven-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI; Bastien et al., 2001), which served as a measure of subjective sleep quality (SSQ), and Edmonson’s seven-item Psychological Safety Questionnaire which measured team psychological safety (TPS). A cross-lagged panel model tested the effects of SSQ and TPS over the course of the training. Results Both SSQ and TPS were stable over the two time points, SSQT1: M=2.83, SD=.85, α=.83; SSQT2: M=2.63, SD=.83, α=.83; B=.387, SE=.08, β=.397, p&amp;lt;.001, and TPST1: M=3.7, SD=.72, α=.79; TPST2: M=3.67, SD=.75, α=.77; B=.619, SE=.07, β=.600, p&amp;lt;.001, respectively. Although SSQ and TPS were weakly related to one another at both time points, rT1=.122, p=.086 and rT2=.171, p = .028, only the cross-lagged path between SSQT1 predicting TPST2 was significant, B=.129, SE=.06, β=.147, p=.038. The cross-lagged path between TPST1 predicting SSQT2 was not significant, B=-.098, SE=.094, β=-.086, p=.296. Approximately 40% of the variance in CPS, R2=.4 as opposed to 17% in SSQ, R2=.17, was accounted for by the predictors in the model. Conclusion These results provide support for a directional (vs bidirectional) link between SSQ and TPS, insomuch that, in the context of military training, SSQ influences TPS, as opposed to the other way around. Elucidating the directionality of this relationship is not only important for advancing theory, but more importantly, it helps practitioners develop programs and policies that precisely address the right mechanism at the right time to maximize team effectiveness and wellbeing. Support This work was supported by the Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP).