Pentagon updates guidance for protecting military personnel from ‘blast overpressure’

Associated Press

The Defense Department is going to require cognitive assessments for new personnel as part of updated guidance aimed at protecting personnel from “blast overpressure” as leaders seek to mitigate risks of brain injury associated with repeated blasts. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks describes the goal as “identifying and implementing best practices to promote overall brain health and countering traumatic brain injury.” The guidance also requires greater use of personal protective equipment, minimum “stand-off distances” during certain types of training and a reduction in the number of people in proximity to blasts.