Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"BIOLOGICAL AGENTS Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever" by Sue Sharpe offers a comprehensive medical and epidemiological profile of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. It details how the pathogen is primarily transmitted through tick bites and describes the severe physiological impact of the infection, which targets endothelial cells and can lead to systemic organ damage. The source highlights the difficulty of early diagnosis due to non-specific symptoms like fever and muscle pain, emphasizing that prompt antibiotic treatment with tetracycline or doxycycline is critical for survival. Additionally, the article explores the infection's potential as a biological warfare agent, noting its high infectivity via aerosols despite its fragile nature outside a host. Ultimately, the text underscores the lack of an effective vaccine and the ongoing need for improved rapid diagnostic technologies to prevent fatal outcomes.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/biological-agents-rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/

"Toughening Up: Bullying in the British Army during the First World War" by S Walker explores the pervasive role of bullying and hazing within the British Army during World War I, framing these behaviors as tools for indoctrination and social control. The author examines how systemic humiliation was utilized by recruiters, officers, and the public to pressure men into service and enforce military discipline. Personal testimonies illustrate that while some soldiers viewed harsh treatment as a necessary part of "toughening up," others experienced profound psychological trauma or were driven to violent mutiny. The study further highlights how prejudice based on race, religion, and sexuality provided additional pretexts for the victimization of those perceived as different. By connecting historical abuses to modern military scandals, the text suggests that the struggle to distinguish between rigorous training and targeted abuse remains an unresolved institutional challenge. Ultimately, the source argues that coercive mistreatment was a fundamental, if damaging, component of the British soldier's experience during the Great War.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-43656364-jmvh-vol-31-no-1/

"Psychosocial Risk Factors and their Impact on the Performance of Everyday Activities in Canadian Veterans" by AM Miguel-Cruz examines how psychosocial risk factors influence the ability of Canadian veterans to perform daily activities while managing chronic pain and mental health conditions. By analyzing clinical data through the Fear-Avoidance Model, the study identifies significant correlations between a veteran's perceived disability, catastrophic thinking, and feelings of injustice with their actual level of functional impairment. The authors utilize the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement to advocate for a holistic, multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach that moves beyond treating isolated symptoms. Ultimately, the findings suggest that addressing a veteran's psychological outlook and fear of movement is essential for improving their quality of life and engagement in meaningful domestic or leisure roles. The text concludes that successful reintegration depends on helping former service members find new purpose and identity through the successful completion of everyday tasks.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/psychosocial-risk-factors-and-their-impact-on-the-performance-of-everyday-activities-in-canadian-veterans/

"When and How Military Students’ Self-Esteem May Become an Obstacle in Seeking Professional Mental Health Help When Needed?" by Vassiliki Karamanoli examines how self-esteem and social stigma impact the willingness of Greek military students to seek professional mental health services. Research indicates that while these students often acknowledge the effectiveness of psychological support, they frequently avoid it due to fears of appearing weak or damaging their careers. Interestingly, the findings suggest that high self-esteem among trainees can actually serve as a barrier, as it reinforces a social identity of strength that views seeking help as a violation of military virtues. Consequently, both self-stigma and public stigma negatively correlate with the intention to access care, even when individuals face significant emotional distress. The author concludes that targeted psychoeducation and supportive leadership are essential to decouple the pursuit of mental wellness from perceptions of professional failure.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/self-esteem-stigma-and-attitudes-concerning-seeking-mental-help-in-the-military-environment/

"Logistics in The Falklands War" is a book review by Captain Arthur M Smith. This article explores the vital role of logistics during the 1982 Falklands War, using the British campaign as a primary case study for modern military planning. The author highlights how the United Kingdom overcame an 8,000-mile supply chain by utilizing civilian vessels and improvised medical facilities despite severe Argentine air attacks. Special attention is given to the medical challenges faced in the South Atlantic, including the rapid conversion of cruise ships into hospital platforms. Ultimately, the text argues that future amphibious operations must prioritize flexible, pragmatic logistics to succeed in contested environments. The source suggests that current defense forces should study these historical precedents to better prepare for the complexities of long-range expeditionary warfare.

Tune in here: https://jmvh.podbean.com/e/

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/logistics-in-the-falklands-war/

"Submarine escape and rescue: a brief history" by Nick Stewart traces the historical evolution of submarine escape and rescue methods from the early 20th century to modern times. It distinguishes between escape, where crews exit a disabled vessel independently, and rescue, which involves external assistance from specialized vehicles or chambers. The text highlights how tragic disasters, such as those involving the HMS Truculent and the Kursk, served as catalysts for improving thermal protection and international cooperation. It further explores the transition from simple breathing apparatuses to advanced technologies like the McCann Rescue Chamber and modern Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles. Ultimately, the source emphasizes that while early submariners relied on risky self-recovery, current global initiatives like ISMERLO significantly increase the likelihood of survival today.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/submarine-escape-and-rescue-a-brief-history-2/

"Psychological Coping Mechanisms in Military Physicians: A Qualitative Exploration of Stress Management Strategies" by Mahdi Ghorbank thani explores the unique psychological stressors and coping mechanisms found among military physicians who manage the dual responsibilities of medical practice and soldiering. Through interviews with eighteen medical officers, the study identifies adaptive strategies like proactive problem solving, social support networks, and self-care practices that bolster professional resilience. Conversely, the authors highlight maladaptive behaviors such as emotional suppression, substance use, and avoidance that can undermine a provider's wellbeing. The findings emphasize that while these doctors face exceptional pressures from operational deployments and the warrior ethos, their mental health can be protected through targeted institutional support and peer mentorship. Ultimately, the article advocates for policy changes and specialized training to foster a healthier, more sustainable environment for those serving on the frontlines of military medicine.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/psychological-coping-mechanisms-in-military-physicians-a-qualitative-exploration-of-stress-management-strategies/

"Thermobaric Munitions and their Medical Effects" by David Andrew examines the mechanics, history, and pathological consequences of thermobaric munitions. Unlike traditional explosives, these weapons disperse a fuel cloud that ignites to create a sustained, high-temperature blast wave capable of flowing into fortified structures. The text highlights how the resulting extended overpressure causes severe internal trauma, specifically targeting air-tissue interfaces in the lungs, ears, and digestive tract. Beyond discussing global development by nations like Russia and the United States, the article details the specialized medical assessments and interventions required to treat primary blast injuries. It concludes that the unique physical properties of these weapons necessitate a high index of clinical suspicion for delayed internal damage and respiratory failure.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/thermobaric-munitions-and-their-medical-effects-2/

"Measles Mortality in the Armies of the Early 20th Century" by G Dennis Shanks examines the lethal history of measles within various military forces during the early 20th century, specifically highlighting how the virus caused high mortality rates before the era of modern vaccines. The author details how secondary bacterial pneumonia was the primary cause of death for soldiers, with significant outbreaks occurring in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australian armies during World War I. While measles mortality significantly declined as the population gained natural immunity and eventually access to immunization, the text warns that the disease remains a potent threat to global health. The article emphasizes that falling vaccination rates and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria could make measles a dangerous infection once again. Ultimately, it calls for military medical preparedness and a rejection of anti-vaccine rhetoric to prevent the resurgence of this historically devastating illness.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/measles-mortality-in-the-armies-of-the-early-20th-century/

"Treating combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)" by A Parmenter introduces Therapeutic Fly-Fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR), a novel treatment framework designed specifically for military veterans and active-duty personnel suffering from combat-related PTSD. The author argues that while nature-based interventions show promise, they often lack the clinical oversight and evidence-based structure necessary for safe trauma recovery. By integrating the eight-phase EMDR protocol with the simplified Japanese fishing method known as Tenkara, the model uses the rhythmic motion of casting as a form of bilateral stimulation. This approach aims to decrease the stigma associated with traditional office-based therapy by moving the healing process into natural environments. Ultimately, the source serves as both a clinical guide for trained therapists and a call for further research into combining ecological activities with established psychotherapeutic modalities.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/treating-combat-related-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-using-therapeutic-fly-fishing-with-emdr-tf-emdr/