Silver Lining Study: Missileer Fatigue Mitigation During 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic
Sandra Salzman1, Ashley Wiser1, Megan B Morris2
1341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom Air Force Base, MT 50405, USA.
Military Medicine
|November 8, 2023
Summary
Implementing a 7-day alert/7-day recovery/7-day training schedule for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) crews significantly improved rest, reduced fatigue, and enhanced overall well-being and retention.
Area of Science:
- Military Operations Research
- Occupational Health
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) missileers face chronic health and alertness issues due to demanding 3-day alert cycles.
- A 2020 Occupational Health Assessment (OHA) revealed widespread fatigue among missileers, exacerbated by increased tempo during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate interventions aimed at mitigating crew fatigue and supporting readiness for ICBM operations.
- To identify optimal scheduling and operational strategies for missileer well-being and sustained force readiness.
Main Methods:
- Continuous qualitative and quantitative evaluation of Nuclear and Missile Operations Officers (missileers).
- Implementation and assessment of environmental modifications, scheduling changes, and fatigue management education.
- Analysis of psychomotor vigilance testing, OHA results, and fatigue/health outcomes during standard and pandemic operations.
Main Results:
- An optimal sustainable schedule identified is a 3-week cycle: 7-day alert, 7-day recovery, 7-day training-administrative, utilizing 4- or 3-member crews.
- Maximum safe alert duration was determined to be 7 days.
- Significant decreases observed in Duties Not to Include Flight (DNIF) rates and missed alerts, alongside a decline in members seeking separation.
Conclusions:
- A 7/7/7 alert rotation with protected recovery and training time enhances crew trust, health, wellness, and retention.
- This sustainable schedule has been adopted by all Air Force Global Strike Missile Operations Groups.
- The implemented schedule promotes schedule stability, improving morale, unit cohesion, and family stability.
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