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Marines with combined anti-armor team conduct weapon familiarization training June 3 at the North Training Area at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji. It was the first time for many of the Marines to fire the AT-4 light anti-armor weapon. The Marines are with the CAAT of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, which is currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. The combat correspondent captured the photo at a shutter speed of 1/160th of a second, creating a multiple-exposure effect of the AT-4 gunner, as well as capturing the dust being shaken from the Marines’ helmets as a result of the shockwave created from the concussion of the weapon’s back-blast. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam B. Miller/Released)
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Warfighter Brain Health Hub

In June 2022, the Department of Defense launched the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative to bring together the operational and medical communities in a more unified approach toward optimizing service member brain health and countering traumatic brain injuries.

Our Focus

  • Optimizing cognitive and physical performance.
  • Identifying, monitoring, and mitigating brain exposures.
  • Preventing, recognizing, and minimizing the effects of traumatic brain injury.
  • Reducing or eliminating long-term or late effects of brain injury.
  • Advancing warfighter brain health science.

Our Commitment

  • Understanding.
  • Preventing,
  • Accurately diagnosing, and
  • Promptly treating blast overpressure and its effects.

Photo of Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez

 

Read full statement from Dr. Lester Martinez-López, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

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Publication
Jun 8, 2022

DOD Warfighter Brain Health Initiative Strategy and Action Plan

As a Department, we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our people in order to maximize our ability to defend the nation. Brain health has historically been defined in terms of human performance optimization. The most accepted and familiar aspect of human performance has been physical performance (e.g., agility, endurance, ...

Article
Jan 6, 2022

Tackling Concussions: NCAA-DOD CARE Consortium Battles Brain Injuries

Naval Academy football team runs onto the field

Dr. Paul Pasquina and Dr. Terry Rauch recently discussed the NCAA-DOD Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium, the largest concussion and repetitive head impact study in history, on the NCAA’s “Social Series.”

Video
Jul 22, 2021

PRA Training Video 6: The Return to Duty Screening

Thumbnail image of PRA training video 6, the return to duty screening

In this lesson, we cover how to perform the Return to Duty, or RTD screening, which now includes both vestibular/physical and neurocognitive examinations. The purpose of the RTD screening is to objectively measure whether a service member is ready for return to full duty. Each video in the Progressive Return to Activity training series is designed ...

Video
Jul 22, 2021

PRA Training Video 3: Understanding Relative Rest

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In this lesson we explain the differences between complete rest and relative rest in a staged concussion recovery process, and provide examples of activities that promote relative rest. The revised Progressive Return to Activity (PRA) Clinical Recommendation uses the term 'relative rest' to emphasize the importance of early introduction of physical ...

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Jul 22, 2021

PRA Training Video 5: The Six Stages of the PRA

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In this lesson, we cover the key activity objectives for each of the six stages of the Progressive Return to Activity (PRA) Clinical Recommendation and provide activity examples for each stage. Each stage is designed to gradually increase the intensity and duration of a service member's physical and cognitive activity as they advance in the PRA ...

Video
Jul 22, 2021

PRA Training Video 7: Symptom-Guided Management and Specialty Referral Guidance Tables

Thumbnail image of PRA training video 7, the symptom-guided management and specialty referral guidance tables.

This lesson covers how to use the Progressive Return to Activity, or PRA's Symptom-Guided Management and Specialty Referral Guidance tables. This lesson also details primary care management strategies for service members who are not progressing as expected in the PRA. Each video in the Progressive Return to Activity training series is designed to ...

Last Updated: April 10, 2024
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