Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Load Carriage and the Female Soldier" by Venerina Johnson examines how heavy load carriage impacts the physiological, biomechanical, and long-term health of female soldiers. The authors highlight that carrying significant weight alters gait and spinal alignment, which increases the risk of overuse injuries and metabolic strain. They also identify gender-specific challenges, such as the female athlete triad, iron deficiency, and pelvic floor dysfunction, which are often exacerbated by military environments. A significant portion of the text discusses how ill-fitting equipment designed for male anatomy further compromises performance and safety. To mitigate these risks, the source advocates for structured physical conditioning, better nutritional education, and the redesign of body armor to accommodate female anthropometrics. Ultimately, the paper seeks to bridge the gap between female athletic research and military operational requirements to optimize soldier welfare.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/load-carriage-and-the-female-soldier/

"History of Tuberculosis. Part 2 – the Sanatoria and the Discoveries of the Tubercle Bacillus" by John Frith details the scientific evolution of tuberculosis management, tracing its journey from a lethal epidemic to a treatable condition. It highlights the foundational discovery of the tubercle bacillus by Robert Koch in 1882, which shifted the medical understanding of the disease from a hereditary ailment to an infectious one. The text examines early treatment methods, including the rise of isolated sanatoria and invasive surgical techniques like lung collapse therapy. It also explores diagnostic milestones, such as the implementation of X-rays and the development of the BCG vaccine. Furthermore, the source addresses modern challenges, specifically the resurgence of the illness alongside HIV and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Finally, it notes the historical impact on military populations, emphasizing how close quarters and global deployments continue to make the disease a significant concern for armed forces.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/history-of-tuberculosis-part-2-the-sanatoria-and-the-discoveries-of-the-tubercle-bacillus/

50 episodes of the JMVH podcast series!! What a milestone.  Thank you for your support, we are glad you enjoy our articles as much as we do!

"Casualties in Australian Military and Indigenous Para-Military Units in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War" by G Dennis Shanks examines the human cost of military operations in Papua New Guinea during World War II, focusing on the diverse mortality rates across different units. The author highlights how tropical diseases like malaria and dysentery often proved more lethal than direct combat, especially for indigenous labor forces and frontline infantry. By comparing Australian, American, and Japanese casualty data, the text illustrates how geographic isolation and logistical failures led to catastrophic losses. Special attention is given to the Papuan and New Guinean participants, whose vital contributions as scouts and carriers carried a significant risk of death. Ultimately, the source serves as a historical warning for modern military medical personnel regarding the unforgiving nature of jungle warfare.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/casualties-in-the-australian-military-and-indigenous-paramilitary-units-in-papua-new-guinea-during-world-war-ii/

"A SHORT LIFE RICH IN IMAGES: New Records of the Life of John Kirkpatrick (1892-1915) “Simpson” of the Australian Army Medical Corps" by John Pearn explores the life and enduring legacy of John Kirkpatrick, famously known as "Simpson," an iconic stretcher-bearer in the Australian Army Medical Corps. The authors present newly discovered archival evidence and photographs concerning his English childhood in South Shields, linking his early experiences with donkeys and maritime life-saving to his later heroics. Despite only serving for twenty-four days at Gallipoli, Kirkpatrick became a legendary figure of self-sacrifice, celebrated through various statues, coins, and stamps across multiple nations. The text clarifies historical details regarding his identity and upbringing, noting how a boy from humble beginnings evolved into a universal symbol of military medicine and compassion. Additionally, it highlights how his image has been memorialized alongside his donkey, which even received a posthumous award for bravery in saving lives. Through this comprehensive overview, the source examines why Kirkpatrick's brief operational service continues to resonate as a defining national icon for Australia.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/a-short-life-rich-in-images-new-records-of-the-life-of-john-kirkpatrick-1892-1915-simpson-of-the-australian-army-medical-corps/

"Air travel and pregnancy – with reference to obstetric and perinatal aeromedical retrieval" by Jeffrey Stephensen evaluates the safety and medical implications of air travel for pregnant women and their newborns. Research indicates that flying is generally secure for healthy pregnancies up to 36 weeks, as common concerns like radiation and oxygen levels typically remain within safe limits. The text also analyzes aeromedical retrieval, noting that transporting a fetus "in-utero" is widely considered superior to moving a fragile neonate in an incubator. However, the author highlights that many emergency transfers occur due to hospital capacity issues rather than strictly clinical needs. Ultimately, while specialized flight services aim to reduce mortality rates, inconsistent data and logistical complexities make it difficult to quantify their exact impact on health outcomes.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/air-travel-and-pregnancy-with-reference-to-obstetric-and-perinatal-aeromedical-retrieval/

"Military Effectiveness of Five Dietary Supplements Purported to Aid Cognitive and Physical Performance" by Bradley Baker evaluates the military effectiveness and safety of five common dietary supplements: Rhodiola rosea, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, beetroot juice, arginine, and beta-alanine. While these substances are often marketed as performance enhancers, researchers found that fish oils are the only supplement consistently recommended for health, though they likely do not boost immediate cognitive or physical results. The report warns that Rhodiola rosea and arginine lack reliable evidence for efficacy in highly fit personnel. Furthermore, beetroot juice and beta-alanine present potential safety risks or side effects that could undermine tactical performance. Ultimately, the authors conclude that most of these nutrients are already sufficient in a standard diet, making additional supplementation largely unnecessary for service members.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/military-effectiveness-of-five-dietary-supplements-purported-to-aid-cognitive-and-physical-performance/

"Pacific Island Societies Destabilised by Infectious Diseases" by G Dennis Shanks explores how infectious diseases like measles and influenza caused mass depopulation in Pacific Island societies starting in the 18th century. A critical focus is placed on the disproportionate mortality of hereditary leaders, who faced higher risks due to diplomatic travel and crowded social customs. The sudden loss of these high-ranking chiefs caused severe political destabilization and the irreversible disappearance of oral traditions. In places like Fiji and Samoa, these leadership vacuums led to long-term societal changes, including the introduction of foreign labor and enduring ethnic tensions. Ultimately, the text argues that while such demographic collapses are unlikely today, the historical "decapitation" of these societies fundamentally reshaped the region's trajectory.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/pacific-island-societies-destabilised-by-infectious-diseases/

"Glimpses of future battlefield medicine – the proliferation of robotic surgeons and unmanned vehicles and technologies" by Gary Martinic

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/glimpses-of-future-battlefield-medicine-the-proliferation-of-robotic-surgeons-and-unmanned-vehicles-and-technologies/

"War-Related Dysentery Epidemics in the Australian Army" by G Dennis Shanks examines the persistent threat of dysentery throughout the history of the Australian Army, from the early 20th century to modern humanitarian crises. The author details how unhygienic conditions and poor sanitation fueled devastating epidemics during major conflicts, including the Gallipoli and Palestine campaigns. It highlights the catastrophic impact on prisoners of war and civilian populations in Papua New Guinea, where the disease caused thousands of deaths. While the development of antibiotics like sulphaguanidine eventually reduced mortality rates, the text emphasizes that the illness remains a significant risk during modern field exercises and global disasters. Ultimately, the source serves as a historical warning that fecal-oral pathogens continue to thrive whenever social and sanitary infrastructures collapse.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-58866571-jmvh-vol-31-no-1/

"Does Current Policy Support Reproductive Health of Australian Defence Force Veterans? A Review of Australian Defence Force Policy" by Rachelle Warner assesses how Australian Defence Force (ADF) policies address the sexual and reproductive health of its members and veterans, with a specific focus on the growing cohort of women. The authors highlight that while the military has updated guidelines for pregnancy management, assisted reproduction, and gender dysphoria, many existing protocols remain outdated or inconsistent with current medical best practices. Key issues identified include the physical impact of service on fertility and pelvic health, as well as the administrative challenges surrounding deployment restrictions and medical repatriations. The text notes that although infertility services and sterilization are supported through Medicare benchmarks, there are ongoing debates regarding preventative measures like gamete cryopreservation for high-risk roles. Ultimately, the source argues for a comprehensive policy overhaul to ensure that military healthcare reflects modern clinical standards and the unique biological needs of all personnel. This transformation is deemed essential for maintaining a capable fighting force and supporting the long-term well-being of veterans transitioning to civilian care.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/does-current-policy-support-reproductive-health-of-australian-defence-force-veterans-a-review-of-australian-defence-force-policy/