FORT MOORE, Ga. — The Maneuver Center of Excellence marked a significant milestone Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, with the opening of an Initial Entry Training Cognitive Monitoring Program Testing Facility, a center dedicated to the cognitive health of Army Soldiers. The facility supports the Army’s proactive approach of monitoring cognitive function throughout a Soldier's career, allowing early detection of cognitive changes and timely intervention.
The opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which drew a crowd of military leaders, healthcare professionals, and distinguished guests, highlighting the importance of this new initiative and its importance to Soldiers’ health. Col. Jama VanHorne-Sealy, director of the Occupational Health Directorate for the U.S. Army, delivered remarks on the significant impact of the program.
“Historically, cognitive monitoring was limited to pre-deployment and post-injury assessments,” VanHorne-Sealey said. “With this new facility, we are taking a giant leap forward by implementing continuous cognitive monitoring for every Soldier, ensuring their readiness and safety throughout their entire service.”
The cognitive monitoring program shows a shift from reactive measures focused solely on injury response to a more comprehensive approach that continuously evaluates brain health.
Fort Moore Soldier Recovery Unit Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. John Suprynowicz, also spoke to the audience and emphasized the program's role in maintaining the mental sharpness and overall health of Soldiers.
“This facility is not just about injury recovery; it’s about establishing a comprehensive baseline that allows us to detect and respond to cognitive changes before they become critical,” Suprynowicz said. “This proactive care model will enhance our Soldiers' resilience and ensure they are always ready for the challenges ahead.”
Using validated neurophysiological tools, the program will monitor cognitive functions similar to routine hearing tests, offering a view into cognitive health over the course of a Soldier's career. This approach aims to prevent errors that could arise from unnoticed cognitive issues, protecting the well-being of individual Soldiers and their units.
Dr. Steven Porter, chief of the Neurocognitive Assessment Branch at the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General, highlighted the significance of having cognitive baselines for all Soldiers.
“Collecting baseline data is crucial because it allows us to identify even subtle changes in cognitive function that might not be evident in everyday performance,” Porter said. “This proactive monitoring can catch issues before they manifest as symptoms, allowing for early intervention and optimal recovery.”
The opening of the Fort Moore facility is part of a larger initiative to improve cognitive health monitoring across all branches of the military. Similar testing facilities are expected to be stood up at other initial training sites for both enlisted personnel and officers. This underscores the ongoing commitment within the Department of Defense to the importance of mental health and cognitive readiness in modern military operations, given the risk of brain injuries.
Col. Greg McLean, 194th Armored Brigade commander, who will oversee cognitive testing at Fort Moore and performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting, talked about the facility's role in improving training outcomes.
“Implementing cognitive baseline assessments during the reception phase will ensure all Soldiers have a true cognitive starting point before they begin their training,” McLean said. “This will help us identify any pre-existing conditions or changes that may occur due to the rigors of training and combat.”
The Fort Moore Initial Entry Training Cognitive Monitoring Program Testing Facility is set to become a major part of the Army’s efforts to enhance force health protection, making sure that Soldiers are equipped to meet the physical and mental demands of military service.
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