Adaptability of the Warfighter: An Interactive Model for Optimization of Performance and Resilience

Project Summary:

The adaptability of the warfighter to a multitude of different demands is vital for both short-term and long-term performance and resilience. The approach taken in this proposal is unique as it is based in the concept of a “real time” information flow from the scientific/medical team back and forth with the command structure as to the adaptability of the warfighter. Additionally, these data will be used as accumulated to develop statistical predictive modeling for that unit as to different adaptability for physical performance, stress, and injury. Thus this model approach allows such work to both meet the immediate demands for information on the warfighter while developing predictive models of adaptability in the different impact domains. The genesis of this proposal was conceptually developed with interactions with the Human Performance and Medical Programs who work with the Navy SEALs assigned to the Navy Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) as to limitations that exist in conventional science that cannot meet the dynamic needs of a unit. From our meetings and conversations we both saw the need for implementing and developing this interactive and approach for the military. In this case this interactive model allows for immediate benefit to the NSWDG Human Performance and Medical Programs while developing its feasibility and statistical predictive modeling to match mission tempo and time frames. Thus our interactive model time allows duality of both acute and chronic needs of a unit and has the context of mission tempo to interpret adaptive data. It is a long term goal of this proposal that after feasibility of this model is demonstrated in proof of concept with NSWDG, the work can continue and in the process “intervention strategies in the different domains can be evaluated. Ultimately we would also like to take this interactive model and use it as a “plug and play” adaptability approach with a conventional military unit including both men and women to demonstrate the range of its effectiveness and expand the predictive modeling.