Mil Med. 2026 Aug 1;191(Supplement_1):401-408. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usag111.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Concern has grown over the potential neurological effects following repetitive exposure to blast waves generated by explosives and weapons during training and operations. Military personnel may be repeatedly exposed to low-level blast although using explosives to gain entry and during routine heavy weapons training. Repeated blast exposure, even within allowable limits, has been associated with cognitive deficits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Blast Overpressure (BOP) Tool was developed to support BOP exposure mitigation guidance by informing training cadre, unit commanders, and range managers of predicted exposures to facilitate mitigation of BOP risk during training. Section 734 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91) required the Secretary of Defense to conduct a longitudinal medical study of blast pressure exposure of members of the armed forces. The BOP Tool was developed as a part of this initiative to improve awareness and mitigation of BOP in training environments. The team received feedback from the operational community.

RESULTS: The BOP Tool predicts BOP exposures based on weapon type, ammunition, individual posture, and proximity to the weapon system. Three versions of the tool address specific end-user requirements. A mobile application offers real-time feedback and increased feasibility for field use. A desktop version includes a Site Module for planning weapon placement and personnel positions to minimize exposure, and a Scene Module for three-dimensional visualization of blast effects on the human body, allowing users to test mitigation strategies and assess cumulative exposure to different body regions. Additionally, an ArcGIS-integrated version supports range safety management by providing enhanced BOP risk assessment capabilities. Preliminary end user feedback suggests that the tool is already informing best practices to protect Service Members from BOP in the garrison environment by simulating comparatively more protective postures and positioning around weapon systems during live fire training.

CONCLUSIONS: The BOP Tool advances understanding of blast exposure and supports the development of safer training protocols for military personnel. By enabling real-time prediction and visualization of BOP effects, the tool augments leader risk assessment and decision-making, ultimately contributing to optimized health and safety of Service Members during heavy weapon training.

PMID:42560217 | DOI:10.1093/milmed/usag111