Concerns about injuries caused by blast overpressure (BOP), the Pentagon is taking steps to minimize troops’ exposure to them without compromising mission requirements.
The new policy, outlined in a memo earlier this month, would keep close tabs on the amount of time spent in close proximity to breaching charges, shoulder-fired weapons, .50 caliber rifle and machine gun fire, and indirect fires.
Service members would be monitored for symptoms relating to brain health and cognitive performance, to include headaches, decreased reaction times, attention difficulty and memory loss that could result from both acute and long-term BOP exposures.
All new active-duty and reserve-component recruits will be given cognitive assessments upon entry, as will current service members who are considered high-risk. Stand-off distances for instructors and range safety officers could be adjusted accordingly. Protective equipment for firers, instructors and others at risk will be examined with the idea of implementing improvements. Only those who need to be near an area subject to BOP exposure will be there. Risk management will be a consideration during the life cycle of weapons systems. Warnings and cautions will be included in greater detail in maintenance and operator manuals.
Whenever possible, training would rely on simulations. When simulations won’t work, no one will fire any more rounds than necessary to meet training standards.
Procedures to identify and track personnel who show BOP symptoms and exposures will be tracked. Personnel who show signs of injury would be referred to appropriate medical personnel.
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