DOD Mandates Cognitive Tests for New Recruits

The Pentagon has announced new measures aimed at protecting military personnel from brain injuries associated with blast overpressure, a condition caused by explosive detonations and weapon firing. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks issued a memorandum mandating baseline cognitive tests for all new recruits by the end of 2024 to better diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries throughout their careers. The memo also outlines increased protective measures, including minimum standoff distances from blasts during training and the use of personal protective equipment. These initiatives are part of the Warfighter Brain Health initiative, which seeks to mitigate the health impacts of both acute and chronic exposure to blast overpressure. The guidance follows growing evidence linking such exposures to negative brain health effects, such as headaches, memory loss, and decreased reaction times. This policy change comes in the wake of incidents like the Lewiston shooting rampage, where the perpetrator, a former Army Reservist, was found to have likely suffered from a traumatic brain injury due to his exposure to low-level blasts during training.