Success rate analysis of Navy SERGRAD flight training.

SERGRADS are selectively retained graduates of Naval Flight Training who become flight instructors during their first tour as Naval Aviators. A perception exists that SERGRADS have more difficulties than newly designated pilots during subsequent training in the Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS). A preliminary inquiry at the F/A-18 FRS revealed that former SERGRADS appear to experience a higher rate of failure on their initial carrier qualification attempt during FRS training. This study examined the SERGRAD experience and compared their performance to trainees from other sources. Although significant differences were found between groups for Fleet Replacement Squadron flight grades and Training Command composite grades, no significant differences were found between the groups for Training Command carrier qualification grades or Fleet Replacement Squadron carrier qualification. Thus, the data do not support the hypothesis that SERGRADS have more problems or are poorer aviators than F/A-18 students from other sources.

Compulsive personality traits affecting aeronautical adaptability in a naval aviator: a case report.

This is a case report of a male naval aviator who demonstrated compulsive personality traits which adversely affected the performance of his duties as a pilot trainee, and later, as a naval flight officer. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-III-R) uses the term obsessive-compulsive to describe two conditions. A review of terminology is undertaken to present the reader with the distinguishing features of the personality disorder versus the anxiety disorder. The anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, is incompatible with safe performance of aviation duties. Obsessive-compulsive personality, on the other hand, describes a point on a continuum where useful, adaptive compulsive traits may become abnormally exaggerated and maladaptive, thus interfering with the aviator's normal routine, occupational functioning, relationships with others, and aviation safety.

Pubic osteomyelitis due to anaerobic bacteria.

Osteomyelitis of the pubic bone due to anaerobic bacteria has been reported infrequently, although an entity known as "sterile" osteitis pubis is common to the literature. We have described two cases of pubic osteomyelitis due to anaerobic bacteria, discussed two previously reported cases, and suggested that most cases of what has previously been termed sterile osteitis pubis may actually have been due to anaerobic bacteria that were not isolated because of deficiencies in collection, transport, and culture of clinical specimens. Included are the pathogenesis and an approach to the treatment of this entity.