Quote:
Originally Posted by Brush Okie
They need to spend $$$ on prevention and as you pointed out more training in ortho would be a good start. As a former 11B a long long time ago I am familiar with the mentality and ignoring pain to the point of crossing the line from hard ass to dumb ass. I have done that myself.
I am thinking of sports medicine experts teach proper walking/rucking, looking at ways to support the joints during heavy rucking and other ways to reduce injuries. Have an expert come out and eval the body mechanics of your team while rucking etc. To just say injuries are going to happen is not a good way to look at it. Yes they will happen but if you can reduce the number and severity of the injuries it is a win win it that the Army gets a better solder, does not have to pay out as much in medical and VA while the soldiers quality of life in old age is better.
Lets face it the old ALICE pack sucked for me. I have a long torso and it hit me about mid back. One size fits all is stupid, make gear that fits soldiers and it adjustable. Boots are another area. Make boots designed for better impact cushioning, this is not new technology in the civilian world. Instead they spend money or revising haircut standard and getting new dress blue uniforms and lets not even talk about the ACU Charlie Foxtrot. This needs to start with the 18 y/o 11B before they become 18x
As you QPs know its the little things that count and your leather personnel carriers are very very important.
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Points very well taken. Sports medicine should be incorporated as should physical therapy. These are relatively new bastions of medicine. How much should they be taken up in the training of a new 18D? I think, at least some portion, but the course is already inundated with other material.
The curriculum is already heavy towards trauma (as well it should be) along with a multitude of other branches of medicine. I just don't know what to cut out to add these other methods of treatment. Extend the course? But it is already a long odyssey. Obviously, I'm not one to make decisions at this level, but this is a good opportunity to voice concerns to those that might be in a position.
As is such, to make suggestions to change issued gear such as boots or rucks as Brush Okie suggests. Please heed his words. I have a feeling current members of SWC are on this forum, and maybe someone here has the latitude and foresight to at least look upon these forums and gather intel from past members and possibly make decisions for the betterment of SF.
I will drink my beer now after this exhausting diatribe. Please forgive me
