Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks issued a statement on August 9, 2024, regarding the new Blast Overpressure Risk-Management Policy Memorandum. She emphasized the importance of health and wellbeing for Service members and civilian personnel to maintain the U.S. military's readiness and capability.
"Secretary Austin and I are committed to taking care of our people – our most valuable asset," Hicks stated. "The health and wellbeing of our Service members and civilian personnel are crucial to maintaining the U.S. military's status as the most capable and ready fighting force in the world."
Hicks announced that a comprehensive policy has been directed to manage risks associated with blast overpressure, integrating various Department and military Service initiatives into a unified Warfighter Brain Health (WBH) Initiative. The WBH Initiative aims to promote overall brain health and counter traumatic brain injury.
"Today's newly issued Blast Overpressure Risk-Management Policy memo is a key element of this initiative aimed at increasing workplace safety," she said.
The memorandum addresses blast overpressure as a factor affecting warfighter brain health, building on existing efforts across military departments to mitigate its impacts. It positions the Joint Force to advance research protecting Service members from future exposure while accelerating efforts to baseline and track cognitive health and blast exposures.
"We owe it to our Service members, civilian personnel, and their families who defend our nation...to ensure we are using every available resource to advance research," Hicks asserted. "This is what it means to take care of our people, and we will continue to make it a top priority."
Find the memorandum here.
