Silas Davidson, Erica Lindroth, Lisa Rigby, Alyssa Mann, Weng Chow, Adam Salyer, Danyon Petousis-Harris, Steve Hunn, Christopher Buekerman, Stephen Frances, Mustapha Debboun
{"title":"A Review of the History, Current Use, and Future of Insecticide Treated Uniforms Among Militaries in the Indo-Pacific.","authors":"Silas Davidson, Erica Lindroth, Lisa Rigby, Alyssa Mann, Weng Chow, Adam Salyer, Danyon Petousis-Harris, Steve Hunn, Christopher Buekerman, Stephen Frances, Mustapha Debboun","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) encompasses a large area with many endemic vector-borne diseases that are a persistent threat to military personnel. During previous wars, casualty rates from vector-borne diseases have often surpassed combat casualties. One of the most effective countermeasures developed to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases has been the use of insecticide treated uniforms. This review explores the history, current practices, and future innovations required for using treated uniforms in this region. Uniform treatments began during World War II when the United States and its Allies developed and deployed insecticides such as dimethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl benzoate, and later M-1960. These chemicals were widely used during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars to prevent vector-borne diseases. A breakthrough came with the introduction of permethrin in the 1980's. This chemical replaced the earlier generation of insecticides and was rapidly adopted by many militaries because of its residual efficacy, low toxicity, and broad-spectrum protection. Currently, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States military personnel rely on permethrin to treat their uniforms. Other militaries also treat their uniforms with permethrin in limited or trial capacities. However, there are challenges involved with current practices that include insecticide resistance, variable fabric compatibility, declining availability of insecticide products, and logistical constraints. Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as etofenprox-based treatments, bite-proof textiles, and graphene-embedded fabrics offer promising alternatives to permethrin. Additionally, advancements in field-based residue detection and extended-wear treatments may enhance durability and compliance. As militaries in the Indo-Pacific confront evolving vector-borne disease threats and operate in diverse environments, modernizing uniform-based vector protection remains a critical operational and force health protection priority.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 2","pages":"42-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622972","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}
Leon L Robert, Michael Hill, Rachel Moore, Martin Deubler, Joshua Bast, Jordan Cornell, Ameya D Gondhalekar
{"title":"A New Department of Defense Contingency Pesticide Usage Database (CPUD) for Collecting and Reporting Overseas Pest Management Operations.","authors":"Leon L Robert, Michael Hill, Rachel Moore, Martin Deubler, Joshua Bast, Jordan Cornell, Ameya D Gondhalekar","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>A new Department of Defense contingency pesticide usage database (CPUD) was developed for collecting and reporting overseas pest management operations data. The CPUD contains data that was downloaded from the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS) and thousands of additional records that were never uploaded into the DOEHRS system. The CPUD contains 282,491 individual pesticide usage records from contingency operations worldwide. This new database is easy to use and interrogate to analyze the data and develop summary graphs and charts. The new CPUD is easily searchable and provides carefully selected and comprehensive data criteria for use by entomology, public health, epidemiology, environmental health, medical and operational professionals and is a significant improvement over current data stored in DOEHRS.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 2","pages":"35-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622988","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}
Bianca M Wimmer, Carlos J Garcia, Cynthia Reinoso Webb, Steven M Presley
{"title":"Expanding Geographic Range of Gulf Coast Tick (Ixodida:Ixodidae) and other Ixodid Tick Vector Populations: Implications for Military and Public Health Services.","authors":"Bianca M Wimmer, Carlos J Garcia, Cynthia Reinoso Webb, Steven M Presley","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Several ixodid tick species that are competent vectors of disease-causing pathogens to humans, domestic animals and wildlife are expanding their geographic range, with population redistribution within their respective geographic range. These range and population distribution changes pose a significant threat to U.S. Military Health Service beneficiaries, working dogs, and the public health at large. We report new findings of established Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum Koch) populations occurring outside the historic and most recently described geographic range projections for the species. More than 470 ixodid tick specimens collected from farm dogs were identified and tested for rickettsial pathogens during 2023 and 2024. Of the ticks submitted and identified to species, 14% were confirmed to be Gulf Coast ticks detected. Of the Gulf Coast ticks, 6.82% were positive for Borrelia spp., one tick was positive for Ehrilichia spp., and 93.18% were positive for Rickettsia spp. As the geographic range of established Gulf Coast tick and other ixodid tick vector populations continues to expand northerly and westerly into the Southcentral and southern Midwest Regions of the United States, the increasing threat to human and veterinary health will be an increasingly significant concern.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 2","pages":"53-59"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148623090","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}
Thomas M Kollars, Kathryn E Kollars, Lillian E Kollars, Timothy Deem, Lee P McPhatter, Mustapha Debboun, Mark C Carder
{"title":"Thermal and Visual and Camouflaged Biodegradable ProVector® Device for Vector Control, Infectious Disease Risk Reduction, and Biodefense.","authors":"Thomas M Kollars, Kathryn E Kollars, Lillian E Kollars, Timothy Deem, Lee P McPhatter, Mustapha Debboun, Mark C Carder","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The ProVector® Biodegradable, visual Olfactory, and Chemical (BVOC™) vector control device was tested to attract and control mosquitoes, meet Department of Defense (DoD) thermal and camouflage criteria, and applicability for deployment by air and hand. The BVOC device is composed of non-toxic biodegradable composite materials that can be formed into various containers and sizes. The BVOC, with pesticides can be deployed from the air, by air gun, and by hand. It can be camouflaged to match the military operational environment and incorporate low thermal detectability, and incorporates biodegradable, visual, olfactory, and chemical components to attract and control mosquito populations and potentially other vectors. The BVOC offers several advantages over current technologies; 1) reduces the impact on the environment, 2) targets adult and larvae mosquitoes with less pesticide,as it is retained in a bait station and reduces impact on non-target organisms, 3) can be used for collection of mosquito species, and 4) reduces risk to military personnel by blending into the environment (visual and IR) and eliminates the need to refill or collect the device. The device is designed for the safety of military personnel and requires no specialized training. The BVOC can be used for control and surveillance of mosquitoes and other vectors from tree level to ground level, and water. The ProVector BVOC device can also be used to release the MEVLABS Multi-Bioagent Simulant and MEVLABS Infectious disease control reagents, and has both military and civilian applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 2","pages":"60-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148623125","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}
Luke M Emerson, Lola M Buchanan, Mia C Brown, Holly R Stoafer, Marie A McKenzie
{"title":"4N Army Nurse Corps Officers as Healthcare Recruiters.","authors":"Luke M Emerson, Lola M Buchanan, Mia C Brown, Holly R Stoafer, Marie A McKenzie","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Healthcare professional recruiting within the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) requires specialized knowledge and strategic outreach. This article describes the outcomes of Army Nurse Corps (ANC) officers in medical recruiting roles. Data from Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) and Quarters 1 and 2 (Q1/2) of FY25 demonstrate that ANC officers may enhance healthcare professional recruiting efficiency, reduce applicant processing timelines, and improve overall mission achievement. ANC officer's clinical expertise, ability to conduct skills-based outreach events, and familiarity with medical commissioning processes contribute to stronger applicant engagement and throughput. This data although limited, may suggest that expanding the role of ANC officers in recruiting could strengthen the military healthcare workforce pipeline.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 1","pages":"73-76"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148702899","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}
Angela M Simmons, Patricia A Patrician, Sara Breckenridge-Sproat, Mary S McCarthy, Lori A Loan, Pauline A Swiger, Tanekkia Taylor-Clark
{"title":"8Z The Army Nurse Scientist: Scholar, Mentor, Leader.","authors":"Angela M Simmons, Patricia A Patrician, Sara Breckenridge-Sproat, Mary S McCarthy, Lori A Loan, Pauline A Swiger, Tanekkia Taylor-Clark","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The role of the Army nurse scientist is crucial in advancing healthcare through rigorous clinical research and practice. These doctorate-prepared professionals enhance ready, reliable patient care and patient safety by bridging interprofessional gaps and generating knowledge that translates into evidence-based practices. Positioned strategically, they influence clinical outcomes and military readiness, mentor young clinicians, guide graduate students, and support senior leaders with data-driven decisions. This paper examines the evolution of Army nurse scientists, highlighting their unique ability to impact healthcare from the bedside to the boardroom. The future is bright for nurse scientists, with endless opportunities for leadership and career growth within the military and beyond.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 1","pages":"82-87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148702936","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":"66S The Critical Care Nurse: A Springboard to Opportunity and Success.","authors":"Daniel Mojica, Brooke Fietek","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 1","pages":"66-67"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148674695","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":"Advancing Military Nursing Science for the Future Battlefield: A Review of TSNRP's Strategic Evolution and Recent Contributions.","authors":"Christopher H Stucky, Cubby L Gardner","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The TriService Nursing Research Program (TSNRP) has been a cornerstone of military nursing science for over three decades. Established in 1992, TSNRP has evolved from a visionary pilot project to the Gold Standard for the Joint Force, providing the empirical foundation for clinical practice guidelines used globally. With a focus on operational readiness, high-velocity science, and advanced professional development, TSNRP aims to bridge the cognitive and clinical strain on military nurses operating in contested environments. TSNRP's strategic trajectory has shifted towards addressing the complex physiological and environmental stressors inherent to modern warfare. Research initiatives have focused on warfighter health and performance, mental health and resilience, development of military nursing, and forward-looking broad research. The program has also expanded its reach through international collaboration, with the inaugural Global Tactical Nursing Research Symposium convening nursing professionals from across the globe. TSNRP's commitment to operational readiness is reflected in its strategic alignment with the National Defense Strategy and the Department of War. The program's funding priorities have shifted towards military operational research problems, recognizing that a sophisticated defense strategy requires a highly skilled and resilient nursing corps. TSNRP has also developed innovative training programs, such as the eCornell Leadership Certificate Program, to cultivate epistemic curiosity and critical thinking among nurses. With over $200 million in research funding and a legacy of publishing numerous studies and guidelines, TSNRP remains poised to meet the challenges of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). The program's dedication to evidence-based practice, international collaboration, and professional development ensures that military nurses are equipped with the most powerful weapon in medical science: rigorous, actionable, and life-saving knowledge. As the Military Health System confronts the daunting reality of LSCO, TSNRP stands ready to meet these challenges head-on, cementing its position as the leading authority on military nursing science.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 1","pages":"116-121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148702926","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":"Global Health Engagement: Perinatal Nursing Adaptability and Collaboration in a Burundian Medical Readiness Exercise.","authors":"Christopher H Stucky, Mashandra D Elam-Canty","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>This case study details a U.S. Army perinatal clinical nurse specialist's (66G7T) experience providing advanced obstetric care, including an unexpected twin delivery, in a resource-constrained environment at Kamenge Military Hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi, during a Medical Readiness Exercise (MEDREX). It illustrates the practical application of the U.S. Army Medical Department's dual mission of military readiness and global humanitarian engagement. The narrative highlights the critical need for adaptability, resourcefulness, and cultural humility when working in austere settings. This experience goes beyond standard combat-focused medical training, emphasizing that nurses must be prepared to deliver specialized care, such as perinatal nursing, in environments with severe resource limitations and differing cultural norms. It suggests that future military medical education should explicitly integrate training for these complex scenarios, fostering the skills necessary for effective global health engagement and humanitarian missions. The case study also underscores the mutual learning and strengthened partnerships fostered by international medical collaboration for impactful global health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":74148,"journal":{"name":"Medical journal (Fort Sam Houston, Tex.)","volume":"108 1","pages":"149-153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148703051","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}