Head Wounds Received During Force-on-Force Training With Non-lethal Ammunition.

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Force-on-force training simulates combat stressors using non-lethal training ammunition (NLTA).
• NLTA is fired from modified service weapons, causing pain upon impact to replicate combat scenarios.
• Head impacts are a significant safety concern in close-quarters combat training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document head injuries resulting from direct impacts of NLTA during force-on-force training.
• To evaluate the safety of current training protocols and identify potential risks.
• To emphasize the need for improved safety measures and medically informed training standards.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of injuries sustained from NLTA head impacts.
• Observation and documentation of wound progression, including swelling, contusions, and bleeding.
• Comparison of observed injuries with existing research on NLTA wound pain.

Main Results:

• Most NLTA head impacts caused temporary swelling and bruising, resolving within days.
• One case involved significant bleeding requiring intervention, resulting in scabbing instead of bruising.
• Observed head wounds indicate a realistic possibility of vision loss.

Conclusions:

• Direct head impacts from NLTA pose serious risks, including potential vision loss.
• Mandatory eye protection is essential for all force-on-force training exercises.
• There is a critical need for updated, medically informed training standards regarding engagement distances and personal protective equipment (PPE).