U.S. Army noncombat munitions injuries

The object of this study was to determine the types of noncombat injuries secondary to munitions sustained by U.S. Army soldiers.

A retrospective review of all noncombat munitions injuries reported to the U.S. Army Safety Center from August 1989 to September 1996 was conducted.

There were 742 incidents reported, resulting in 894 injured soldiers. The most common types of injuries were thermal burns, puncture wounds, and lacerations. The extremities were the most common anatomical location injured. The most common activities associated with injuries were combat training exercises, munitions firing, and rendering munitions safe.

This study demonstrates a distinctive injury pattern for each category of munitions. Military readiness will be improved if we train all personnel to be familiar with the injury patterns and the most common situations associated with injury. By informing unit commanders which activities are associated with increased risk of injury, they may better prepare preventive measures to decrease the number of noncombat injuries.