Managing aviator fatigue in a deployed environment: the relationship between fatigue and neurocognitive functioning.

The current military battlefield requires aviators to make split-second decisions that often have life-and-death consequences, making identifying predictors of diminished cognitive performance a vital aeromedical and safety concern. The current study explored the relationship between aviator effectiveness, as determined by sleep-wake patterns, and neurocognitive functioning in a brigade-size rotary wing aviation element deployed in Iraq. Actigraphy and the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST) were used to assess the ratio of sleep-wake patterns over a 24-hour time period, and a computerized multitasking measure, which mimics the task demands of flying, was utilized to evaluate neurocognitive functioning during preflight operations.

Division mental health in the new brigade combat team structure: part II. Redeployment and postdeployment.

Objective: Recent Army transformation has led to significant changes in roles and demands for division mental health staff members. This article focuses on redeployment and postdeployment.

Methods: The postdeployment health assessment behavioral health screening and referral process and redeployment plan are reviewed, and data on postdeployment rates of negative events are reported.

Division mental health in the new brigade combat team structure: part I. Predeployment and deployment.

Objective: Recent Army transformation has led to significant changes in roles and demands for division mental health (DMH) staff members. This article focuses on predeployment and deployment.

Methods: Surveillance of Combat and Operational Stress Reactions data, review of DMH implementation plans, and observations by staff members, providers, and soldiers were reviewed.