Human performance optimization: an evolving charge to the Department of Defense.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences hosted a conference in June 2006 entitled "Human Performance Optimization in the Department of Defense: Charting a Course for the Future" with the goal of developing a strategic plan for human performance optimization (HPO) within the Department of Defense (DoD). The conference identified key issues: (1) advocating for HPO at all DoD levels, (2) defining HPO specific to DoD requirements, (3) developing valid and standardized metrics for HPO, (4) translating HPO research into the operational community, and (5) establishing effective communication and coordination across military services and within the medical, research and operational communities. The program objectives should enhance mental and physical resilience of the war fighter; accelerate recovery; reduce injury and illness; provide seamless knowledge transfer from laboratory to line; improve the human system contribution to mission success; and allow the U.S. to remain in the lead in this area.

Can specific biological signals be digitized?

At the request of the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, we attempted to replicate the data of Professor Jacques Benveniste that digital signals recorded on a computer disc produce specific biological effects. The hypothesis was that a digitized thrombin inhibitor signal would inhibit the fibrinogen-thrombin coagulation pathway. Because of the controversies associated with previous research of Prof. Benveniste, we developed a system for the management of social controversy in science that incorporated an expert in social communication and conflict management. The social management approach was an adaptation of interactional communication theory, for management of areas that interfere with the conduct of good science. This process allowed us to successfully complete a coordinated effort by a multidisciplinary team, including Prof. Benveniste, a hematologist, engineer, skeptic, statistician, neuroscientist and conflict management expert. Our team found no replicable effects from digital signals.

Enhanced Consequence Management, Planning and Support System (ENCOMPASS). Enabling an effective, coordinated response.

In an incident involving a chemical or biological terrorist attack, a staggering number of situations must be managed--casualties must be triaged and treated; nearby residents must be isolated from the impending hazard; a culprit may be on the loose. No single entity can provide adequate response; experts are needed from many organizations , including fire and police departments, hazardous materials units and medical facilities. How can organizations communicate and coordinate to yield an effective response? This article introduces the Enhanced Consequence Management, Planning and Support System (ENCOMPASS), a software system designed to address this issue.