Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

This review article examines the difficulties in achieving a universal definition of terrorism due to the varying agendas and perspectives of numerous stakeholders, including governments, academic researchers, legal and law enforcement entities, medical professionals, the media, and terrorist groups themselves. It highlights how these differing definitions are often tailored to suit specific political, social, or professional needs, impacting everything from international cooperation and legal prosecution to public perception and counter-terrorism strategies. The piece stresses that this lack of agreement has significant social and political consequences.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/definitionof-terrorism-social-and-political-effects/ 

This text examines Saint Longinus, the Roman centurion at the Crucifixion, as a potential case study for Spiritual Wounds and Injuries (SW&I) in modern veterans. It explores Longinus's possible interactions with Christ, his role in the Crucifixion including the spear thrust, and the impact of these events on his spiritual journey. The article analyzes how Longinus's reported subsequent struggles with doubt, shame, and guilt mirror the experiences of veterans dealing with trauma. Ultimately, it argues that understanding Longinus's story can provide insights into healing and supporting contemporary veterans suffering from SW&I.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/saint-longinus-at-the-cross-a-veterans-story/ 

This study examines trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnoses and associated risk factors among active duty U.S. service members from 2016 to 2021. Utilizing data from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED), the research identified that while most CVD diagnoses decreased during this period, cases of angina and inappropriate diet increased. The authors also found significant demographic disparities, with certain groups like older, married, Black, and higher-ranking service members exhibiting higher rates of CVD and related risk factors. The paper suggests that existing interventions may be effective but highlights the need for more tailored screening and prevention strategies for at-risk populations. 

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/incidences-and-trends-of-cardiovascular-determinants-and-diagnoses-in-active-duty-service-members/ 

This article discusses the Kokoda Campaign's medical efforts, focusing on Captain Alan Watson and the 2/4th Field Ambulance. It highlights the challenges of providing medical care in a difficult environment, detailing how the field ambulance operated similarly to a modern deployable hospital. The piece emphasizes Captain Watson's diverse contributions, from dental care to administering anesthesia and organizing aerial evacuations, underscoring the vital role of adaptability and the support of indigenous carriers. Ultimately, the article draws parallels between the medical principles demonstrated during the campaign and modern combat health support, emphasizing the enduring need for skillful and versatile medical teams in military operations.

https://jmvh.org//article/urance-courage-and-care-the-kokoda-campaign-of-captain-alan-watson-and-the-24th-field-ambulance/ 

This article by Dr Andrew Robertson, titled "The medical effects of non-lethal weapons. A review," explores the physiological and psychological impacts of various non-lethal weapon systems increasingly used by police and military forces worldwide. It examines effects including blunt trauma, eye damage, auditory effects, electrophysiological disruption, and toxicological/pharmaceutical responses caused by weapons like rubber bullets, lasers, stun grenades, and chemical agents. The author highlights the need for further research to fully understand both short-term and long-term consequences and notes that the definition and classification of these weapons remain somewhat unclear, raising questions about their legality.

Article Link: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-16296764-jmvh-vol-6-no-1/ 

This is a podcast adaptation of the original article by authors A J Mahoney, M Reade, I Young, B Butson, A Storey, and K Bender.

Providing high-quality medical care to deployed Australian Defence Force personnel is critical, and this capability relies significantly on specialist clinicians. Historically, the ADF depended largely on Reserve specialists, but recognised limitations in guaranteeing immediate availability for short-notice or prolonged operations. To address this, the ADF has evolved its approach, culminating in the Medical Specialist Program (MSP). This program aims to build a robust, high-readiness permanent force specialist capability to ensure critical medical expertise is available whenever and wherever needed. The provided sources offer insights into the fascinating journey of the MSP, from its inception and the challenges faced during its early years, such as recruitment imbalances and unclear career paths, to its contemporary structure which integrates specialists within civilian health services to maintain their clinical skills. Learn about the strategic importance of military medicine, the complexities of balancing civilian integration with military readiness, and the ongoing efforts to refine the MSP to meet the evolving operational health requirements of the ADF.

Article Link: https://jmvh.org/article/the-australian-defence-force-medical-specialist-program-past-present-and-future/ 

Neil Westphalen is a frequent contributor to the Journal of Military and Veterans Health and in this podcast he discusses his career in the RAN as a medical officer and his interest in military medical history and the evolution of naval medicine in particular. Since retiring from the RAN  Neil is pursuing full time study with the aim  aim of gaining a PhD in History  from UNSW@CANBERRA. As part of this podcast he describes the differences in battle casualties experienced by the British Army and the Royal Navy in WW1and their differing approach to casualty evacuation as a consequence of the environment in which such casualties were sustained

Associate Professor Martin Richardson, Deputy Editor of the JMVH, talks with GPCAPT Geoffrey Robinson, President of the Australasian Military Medicine Association, about the Centenary of the Air Force.