Ben Schram, Jeremy Robinson, Shane D Irving, Jay Dawes, Robert Lockie, Robin Orr
{"title":"Reframing the \"Tactical Athlete\": Implications for Operational Readiness and Support A Narrative Review.","authors":"Ben Schram, Jeremy Robinson, Shane D Irving, Jay Dawes, Robert Lockie, Robin Orr","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.RX1F-MEK5","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.RX1F-MEK5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The term tactical athlete is being used prolifically in the tactical environment, originally coined to highlight the significant physical demand faced by many in tactical professions. While the use of this phrase had positive intentions, there are substantial and important differences between the privileges afforded to professional athletes and the challenges faced by tactical professionals. This review highlights the similarities and differences between the two and describes how the term tactical athlete may not be the best nomenclature for these personnel. By challenging the 'tactical athlete' label, this review highlights the risk of misaligned training and support strategies that may compromise operational readiness and increase injury risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"38-43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Linda Sousse, Bradford J Anderson, Jonathan Day, Joshua Beltran, Leopoldo C Cancio, Jeffrey D DellaVolpe
{"title":"Development of a Militarily Relevant Femoral Dual-Lumen Cannula for Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Life Support.","authors":"Linda Sousse, Bradford J Anderson, Jonathan Day, Joshua Beltran, Leopoldo C Cancio, Jeffrey D DellaVolpe","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.1NHU-VVW3","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.1NHU-VVW3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is the most advanced form of life support in existence for patients experiencing acute cardiac and/or pulmonary failure. However, major limitations for the use of ECLS, in both far-forward and transport environments, are the difficulty of its initiation, the need for adjunctive imaging to avoid damage to the heart and great vessels, and difficulty confirming correct cannula placement. We hypothesize that a dual-lumen cannula (DLC) modified for femoral vein placement will make cannula placement by an individual feasible and will overcome constraints of large imaging adjuncts and limited personnel experience. This type of design may lead to a faster, safer, and more reliable delivery of ECLS to the patient. Herein, our objective is to create recommendations for the design of a DLC for femoral vein placement. We present findings from the placement of a femoral DLC using a simulation mannequin and subsequent interviews with hospital, military, and academic personnel.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"44-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148213318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
George A Barbee, Brendan T Byrne, Cyril E Clayton, Jacob H Cole, Curtis C Conklin, Kellye A Donovan, Andrew D Fisher, Harold J Gelfand, Scott B Hughey, Kyleigh B Hupfl, Chris W Hutchison, Kevin J Keeley, Jacob R King, Alexander J Kumar, Kendra L Lawrence, Lanny F Littlejohn, Michael A Remley, Sean M Simmons, Russell P Wier, Zachary D Wilson, Anthony P Yeager, Frank K Butler, Harold R Montgomery, Travis G Deaton
{"title":"Analgesia in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC): TCCC Guideline Change 25-03.","authors":"George A Barbee, Brendan T Byrne, Cyril E Clayton, Jacob H Cole, Curtis C Conklin, Kellye A Donovan, Andrew D Fisher, Harold J Gelfand, Scott B Hughey, Kyleigh B Hupfl, Chris W Hutchison, Kevin J Keeley, Jacob R King, Alexander J Kumar, Kendra L Lawrence, Lanny F Littlejohn, Michael A Remley, Sean M Simmons, Russell P Wier, Zachary D Wilson, Anthony P Yeager, Frank K Butler, Harold R Montgomery, Travis G Deaton","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.75L9-4KVD","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.75L9-4KVD","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Battlefield pain management (BPM) is a critical and ethical component of TCCC. In 2025, the loss of access to oral trans-mucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) and a strategic focus on large-scale combat operations prompted the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) to update its analgesia guidelines. The CoTCCC performed an extensive literature review to address key questions regarding OTFC alternatives, ketamine dosing, ethical challenges, and scalability. The review identified buprenorphine and intranasal esketamine as viable alternatives to OTFC, based on their pharmacology, efficacy, and safety. The updated TCCC guidelines propose a simpli-fied, two-step model: Step 1 recommends a non-opioid pill pack for mission-capable casualties, including a novel sodium channel inhibitor, suzetrigine; and Step 2 advises a fixed dose of ketamine (or esketamine) via intramuscular, intranasal, or slow intravenous/intraosseous push alongside the pill pack for non-mission-capable casualties. This framework reduces provider cognitive burden, simplifies logistics, and enhances battlefield analgesia. Recommendations are rated from level of evidence A to C-EO and Class I to IIa, highlighting future research needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"97-111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148279990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pedro Moreira Tourinho, Leonardo Mendes Leal de Souza, Marcos Vinicio Alcantara Filho, Maria Elisa Kippke Miranda, Bruno Ferreira Viana, Daniel de Souza Alves, Priscila Dos Santos Bunn
{"title":"Prediction Factors Associated with Success in Military Special Operations Courses: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Pedro Moreira Tourinho, Leonardo Mendes Leal de Souza, Marcos Vinicio Alcantara Filho, Maria Elisa Kippke Miranda, Bruno Ferreira Viana, Daniel de Souza Alves, Priscila Dos Santos Bunn","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.MST7-23AU","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.MST7-23AU","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We investigated factors associated with military personnel success in Special Operations courses (course pass or fail).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted across eight databases using the keywords \"Special Operations\" and \"attrition.\" Sample size and profile data, course characteristics, predictive factors, follow-up, and results were extracted from the studies. We compared the means of the variables associated with success between the groups that completed and did not complete the courses. A meta-analysis was conducted for factors assessed by two or more studies, pooling standardized or weighted mean differences using fixedor random-effects models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 23 studies were included. They were published between 1990 and 2022, included samples from 10 nations, lasted between 5 days and 12 months, and ranged from 11 to 1,138 individuals. VO2max, pull-ups, push-ups, and marching performance showed consistent positive associations with course success, while body fat percentage and sit-up performance did not. Certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The factors that increased the probability of success in Special Operations courses were character strengths, recidivism in the course, anthropometric data, performance on physical assessment tests, psychological dissociation, psychosocial resources, blood markers, smoking/alcohol consumption, personality, and psychological strength. These findings support the inclusion of aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and psychological resilience in early screening and preparatory selection processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"27-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cassidy Wheeler, Patrick Greiffenstein, Jennifer Brewer, Tyler Nicholas Carruth, Easton Stelly, Christopher McCuller
{"title":"The Use of Traumagel for Hemorrhage Control and Tourniquet Removal: A Case Series of Traumatic Extremity Injuries.","authors":"Cassidy Wheeler, Patrick Greiffenstein, Jennifer Brewer, Tyler Nicholas Carruth, Easton Stelly, Christopher McCuller","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.6ESB-BVF2","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.6ESB-BVF2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death in combat and tactical operations, with exsanguinating hemorrhage accounting for approximately 90% of potentially survivable battlefield fatalities. In operational environments where evacuation to definitive care may be delayed, effective point-of-injury hemorrhage control becomes essential for mission success and force preservation. While tourniquets are proven to be effective in tactical casualty care and are standard gear for Special Operations Forces, their prolonged application carries the risk of additional tissue trauma and potential nerve injury. This report presents three use cases demonstrating the tactical application of Traumagel as an adjunct hemostatic agent alongside tourniquet application, achieving hemorrhage control and enabling tourniquet removal without rebleeding. These cases illustrate the potential utility of combination hemostatic approaches in Special Operations medicine, where rapid, effective bleeding control must be achieved with minimal logistical burden, maximum reliability, and in the face of often long transit times.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"70-73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tim Bongartz, Kevin High, Joshua P Smith, Jakob Palubicki, Christine Cleaves, Charles Sweigert, Mark D Buzzelli
{"title":"The STEP Method: A Structured Approach to Optimize Team Performance of Army Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachments (FRSDs).","authors":"Tim Bongartz, Kevin High, Joshua P Smith, Jakob Palubicki, Christine Cleaves, Charles Sweigert, Mark D Buzzelli","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.TAI8-KEKX","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.TAI8-KEKX","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The U.S. Army Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD) provides rapid damage control resuscitation and surgery near the point of injury within combat zones. To improve team performance and operational readiness within two FRSD units preparing for combat deployment, we developed a systematic, evidence-informed standard operating procedure (SOP) to address the unique challenges of far-forward trauma resuscitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This project was conducted under unit-level authority as an internal readiness optimization effort, consistent with every FRSD's responsibility to develop its own SOPs. We created a theoretical framework for team performance optimization based on literature and interdisciplinary expert input. The prototype SOP was refined through simulation training and real-world trauma resuscitations during two FRSD deployments. Performance feedback and after-action reviews were used to iteratively optimize the \"STEP\" system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The STEP method is a framework for optimizing Army FRSD team performance, based on four crucial elements: Skill, Team organization, Equipment, and Process. \"Skill\" emphasizes proficiency in performing trauma resuscitation procedures and cross-training of team members for adaptability in mass casualty scenarios. \"Team organization\" includes clear roles and responsibilities, and a communication standard to avoid miscommunication and confusion. \"Equipment\" includes equipment maintenance, positioning, and familiarization. \"Process\" refers to the \"game plan,\" a structured sequence of diagnostic and therapeutic steps that supports organization and efficiency.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The STEP method introduces a standardized approach to traumaresus-citation by Army FRSDs, offering a replicable SOP template with broad applicability across Army medical units. It holds potential beyond trauma resuscitation, offering a versatile framework for optimizing team performance in high-stress, high-stakes environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"41-0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147494441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combat-Related Orthopedic Trauma in the Russo-Ukrainian War: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Rafael Garcia-Canas, Ricardo Navarro-Suay","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.7V8D-PA9N","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.7V8D-PA9N","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Russo-Ukrainian conflict has produced large numbers of military and civilian casualties, with orthopedic and musculoskeletal trauma representing a major proportion of combat injuries. Explosions, gunshots, and blast mechanisms frequently generate complex wounds that demand specialized surgical and rehabilitative management. This review summarizes injury types, mechanisms, severity, clinical responses, and gaps in current knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE via WoS was conducted in February 2025. Eligible studies published from 2014 to 2024 included case reports, case series, cohort studies, and observational research describing orthopedic injuries in military or civilian populations affected by the conflict. Two reviewers independently screened studies, performed quality assessments using Joanna Briggs Institute tools and STROBE criteria, and synthesized data qualitatively with descriptive statistics when available.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-one studies were included, primarily case reports and retrospective analyses from Ukrainian military hospitals and frontline facilities. Explosive and ballistic trauma produced high-energy fractures, traumatic amputations, severe soft-tissue loss, and neurovascular damage. Management strategies included external and internal fixation, bone grafting, microsurgical reconstruction, distraction osteogenesis, and the progressive use of 3D-printed implants to support limb salvage. Rehabilitation, including pain control, physiotherapy, and prosthetic training, was essential for functional recovery. Long-term complications included neuromas, phantom pain, stump morbidity, and psychological trauma. Telemedicine enabled remote consultation and continuity of care under resource-limited conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Combat-related orthopedic injuries in this conflict require advanced surgical techniques, coordinated multidisciplinary support, and prolonged rehabilitation. Expanded data collection, standardized reporting, and long-term follow-up are essential to improve functional outcomes and reintegration.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"22-0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146259923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melissa Cote, Ross Prager, Khoa Tran, Nicolas Orozco, Delaney Smith, Zoe Holliday, Robert Arntfield
{"title":"AI-Assisted Lung Sliding Detection in Point-of-Care Ultrasound by Marine Corps Corpsmen: A Multi-Reader Study.","authors":"Melissa Cote, Ross Prager, Khoa Tran, Nicolas Orozco, Delaney Smith, Zoe Holliday, Robert Arntfield","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.1SDN-NWTW","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.1SDN-NWTW","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to address training limitations and inter-operator variability that constrain the use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in austere and prehospital settings. This pilot study evaluated whether AI-based decision support could improve the diagnostic accuracy and confidence of United States Marine Corps Corpsmen in identifying absent lung sliding, a key indicator of pneumothorax, during LUS interpretation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This pilot-prospective multi-reader, multi-case study involved five military medics, all novices in point-of-care ultrasound, each interpreting 50 de-identified LUS video clips twice, once without AI assistance (control) and once with AI assistance (ATLAS, Deep Breathe Inc., London, Canada), in randomized order with at least a 2-hour washout between sessions. Expert consensus served as a reference standard. Diagnostic performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Differences were analyzed using the Random-Reader Random-Case method. Per-clip reader confidence ratings were compared using the Stuart-Maxwell test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AI assistance significantly improved diagnostic performance across all measured outcomes. The mean AUROC increased from 0.72 (SD 0.16) without AI to 0.93 (SD 0.04) with AI (P=.03). Sensitivity rose from 0.63 (SD 0.14) to 0.90 (SD 0.09), specificity from 0.70 (SD 0.15) to 0.86 (SD 0.10), and overall accuracy from 0.67 (SD 0.10) to 0.88 (0.06) (McNemar's test, P<.001). Reader confidence also improved, with high-confidence ratings nearly doubling from 20% to 37%, and low-confidence ratings decreasing from 38% to 33%. These distributional changes were statistically significant (Stuart-Maxwell χ², P<.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AI support markedly improved the diagnostic accuracy and confidence of novice LUS interpretation for detecting absent lung sliding. These findings suggest that real-time AI-based decision support may help improve access to high-quality LUS in military and other resource-limited care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"57-0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maya Alexandri, Christopher A Mitchell, David Korb, Eric J Fellin, Chelsea E Ausman, Daniel B Brillhart
{"title":"Contrast-Enhanced Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (cFAST) Far Forward: Contrast Visualization Methods Testing of Six Field-Portable and Handheld Ultrasound Systems.","authors":"Maya Alexandri, Christopher A Mitchell, David Korb, Eric J Fellin, Chelsea E Ausman, Daniel B Brillhart","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.8QO5-RNKB","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.8QO5-RNKB","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is the most important ultrasound exam in the operational environment, yet its sensitivity for diagnosis of solid organ injury is limited. Contrast-enhanced FAST (cFAST) augments the diagnostic power of the FAST exam of parenchymal and vascular injuries, and it rivals CT. Studies on cFAST have not used handheld ultrasound systems found in the combat environment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>As part of a methodsdesign process for a cFAST study, the authors tested six hand-held and portable ultrasound systems for their ability to visualize contrast enhancement: Philips Lumify, Butterfly IQ3, GE Vscan Air, Fujifilm Sonosite Edge II, Fujifilm Sonosite M-Turbo, and GE Venue (cart-based comparator). None had dedicated \"contrast\" settings. Device settings were adjusted to minimize gain and maintain a mechanical index below .3. Three standardized patients received .02mL to .11mL intravenous boluses of perflutren (Definity) followed by a 10mL saline flush. The right upper quadrant was scanned to assess contrast visualization in the kidney.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Contrast enhancement was visualized on only one handheld device (GE Vscan Air) and the GE Venue (cart-based comparator). No enhancement was seen with the others.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Most handheld and portable ultrasound systems currently used in deployed medical settings failed to visualize contrast. While the GE Vscan Air shows promise, further investigation is necessary to determine whether system modifications, software upgrades, or dosing adjustments can enable cFAST capability in the far-forward environment. Reliable handheld-based cFAST methods will advance research and implementation of this technology in military trauma care.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"73-0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147494442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Paper Tubes to Millimeter Waves: Fostering Biological Operational Security.","authors":"Anna M Gielas","doi":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.JPKA-E15L","DOIUrl":"10.55460/J.Spec.Oper.Med.2026.JPKA-E15L","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging technologies for monitoring vital signs are increas-ingly being adapted for surveillance purposes. As these tools grow more sophisticated, traditional countermeasures em-ployed by Special Operations Forces (SOF) may no longer be sufficient. This brief highlights examples of biological surveil-lance technologies and proposes a holistic response by con-ceptualizing the management of biological signatures during operations as biological Operational Security (bio-OPSEC). SOF medics-by virtue of their tactical perceptiveness and med-ical acumen-can play a vital role in bio-OPSEC, enhancing awareness and mitigating their team's vulnerabilities. Drawing on insights from bio-sensing technologies and security studies this in brief article introduces actionable approaches for im-plementing bio-OPSEC.</p>","PeriodicalId":53630,"journal":{"name":"Journal of special operations medicine : a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals","volume":" ","pages":"86-0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}