Pentagon Requires Brain Health Checks for New Military Staff

The U.S. Defense Department has announced a new requirement for cognitive assessments for all new recruits, aimed at safeguarding troops from brain injuries linked to blast exposure during training. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes enhanced protective equipment, established minimum stand-off distances during specific training exercises, and a reduction in personnel proximity to explosive blasts. Senator Angus King, a member of the Armed Services Committee, praised the Pentagon for expediting these essential changes, particularly in light of recent concerns surrounding a tragic incident involving an Army reservist. The case in question involved Robert Card, who was responsible for the deaths of 18 individuals in Maine. While a postmortem examination revealed a traumatic brain injury, Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels clarified that it was not connected to Card's military service. An Army report indicated that Card's head injuries may have stemmed from a fall, rather than from training with heavier weaponry, which the new guidelines specifically address. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks emphasized that the updated guidance aims to identify and implement best practices for promoting brain health and mitigating traumatic brain injuries. The cognitive assessments will be mandatory for new military personnel by the end of the year and for high-risk active duty and reserve members by autumn 2025. Experts highlight that repeated exposure to milder blasts can lead to significant brain injuries, underscoring the importance of these new measures. The Defense Department has been actively evaluating the impact of blast overpressure on brain health for six years, with emerging data linking both acute and repetitive low-level exposures to various adverse effects. The Pentagon remains committed to understanding and addressing the implications of blast exposure on military personnel.