A Narrative Review of Performance and Health Research in US Army Rangers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Military Health
• Performance Optimization

Background:

• The 75th Ranger Regiment (75RR) requires elite physical and psychological readiness for demanding deployments.
• Rangers endure significant stressors like negative energy balance, sleep restriction, and extreme environments, increasing illness and injury risks.
• Current injury risk assessment tools and targeted interventions for Rangers are limited.

Approach:

• This study conducted a narrative review of existing literature on performance and health research specific to US Army Rangers.
• The review evaluated the impact of training and operational demands on Ranger health and physical capabilities.
• The aim was to identify research gaps and inform future training and health recommendations.

Key Points:

• Rangers must maintain elite athletic performance while managing operational stressors.
• High-risk activities like parachuting and repelling contribute to increased injury potential.
• Existing research provides a foundation, but further investigation is needed to fully understand and mitigate health risks.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing Ranger health and performance requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges they face.
• Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions and screening tools to enhance Ranger resilience.
• Informed training recommendations are crucial for maintaining the operational effectiveness and well-being of elite military personnel.