Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health - JMVH

"Intrinsic and External Factors and Influences on the Motivation of Suicide Attackers" by Gregor Bruce examines the complex psychological and social motivations that drive individuals to carry out suicide attacks. It distinguishes between different types of suicide terrorism, noting that while groups like the Tamil Tigers pioneered many modern tactics, motivations vary across religious, nationalistic, and personal lines. The author highlights that attackers are typically psychologically stable and influenced by factors such as revenge, the glorification of martyrdom, and financial rewards for their families. Terrorist organizations exploit these internal and external pressures to achieve tactical advantages in asymmetrical warfare. Ultimately, the source argues that no single profile exists for these individuals, as their actions result from a unique combination of environmental and ideological influences.

You can read the original article here:  https://jmvh.org/article/motivation-of-suicide-attackers/

"Psychological Screening in the Australian Defence Force: An Historical and Contemporary Analysis of what Works" by Kylie Tuppin analyzes the historical evolution and modern application of psychological screening within the Australian Defence Force. The authors distinguish between rapid screening, used to identify current disorders or cognitive traits like intelligence, and comprehensive assessments used for deeper diagnostic purposes. A critical finding of the review is that while screening effectively measures existing mental illness and aptitude, it has consistently failed to predict future psychological distress or combat breakdowns. To address current ambiguities, the text recommends standardizing screening tools and clearly separating those used for recruitment selection from those intended for mental health support. Ultimately, the research emphasizes that the military should adopt a nuanced, evidence-based approach rather than relying on broad mandates that lack predictive validity.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/psychological-screening-in-the-australian-defence-force-an-historical-and-contemporary-analysis-of-what-works/

"Poppy Seed and Prohibited Drug Testing" by Ross Mills examines how culinary poppy seed consumption can lead to unintended positive drug tests for morphine among military personnel. Through three Australian Navy case studies, the author demonstrates that eating common foods like seeded bread can trigger urinary morphine levels exceeding established testing thresholds. The text highlights that while thebaine serves as a unique chemical marker to identify poppy seeds as the source, the wide variability in seed potency and individual metabolism makes it difficult to predict these results. Because poppy seeds contain natural opiate alkaloids, they can produce misleading findings that mimic illegal drug use for up to 48 hours after ingestion. Ultimately, the source suggests that higher testing cut-offs or detailed laboratory analysis may be necessary to distinguish between harmless dietary habits and prohibited substance abuse.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/poppy-seed-and-prohibited-drug-testing/

"The neurophysiologic aspects of G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC)" by David G Newman examines G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), a critical physiological failure occurring when high acceleration forces prevent the cardiovascular system from delivering oxygenated blood to the brain. The author details the historical research and mathematical theories that define human tolerance limits, noting how modern fighter jets can easily exceed these biological boundaries. A central focus is the neurophysiologic timeline of an episode, which includes a brief functional buffer followed by periods of absolute and relative incapacitation. During recovery, pilots often experience physical convulsions, dream-like states, and significant cognitive confusion that can last for several seconds. The text emphasizes that event amnesia and psychological denial frequently follow these incidents, posing a lethal threat to flight safety. Ultimately, the source argues for a deeper understanding of these biological responses to develop more effective countermeasures for high-performance aviators.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-12453347-jmvh-vol-6-no-3/

"Innovations from the Battlefield: Tourniquets" by Dominic Maher explores the historical evolution and modern resurgence of the tourniquet as a critical tool for survival. While these devices were often criticized as dangerous during the 19th and 20th centuries, data from recent Middle East conflicts proved they effectively stop catastrophic bleeding without causing widespread limb loss. The text highlights how military medical advancements and successful field applications led to a shift in institutional doctrine. This newfound evidence has directly influenced civilian emergency services, resulting in the widespread adoption of tourniquets by first responders and the general public. Ultimately, the source frames the tourniquet as a proven life-saving innovation that has transitioned from a controversial last resort to a standard of care.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/innovations-from-the-battlefield-tourniquets/

"Antimalarial Drug Supply Issues during the Second World War" by G. Dennis Shanks examines how antimalarial drug shortages severely compromised Allied military operations in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. The author explains that the Japanese seizure of cinchona plantations and European manufacturing hubs stripped the Allies of vital quinine and synthetic drug supplies, leading to massive non-combat casualties. Operations in regions like Papua New Guinea and the Philippines were stalled or lost until quinacrine production and strict medicinal discipline were established in 1943. By comparing these historical logistical failures to modern supply chain disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the text warns of the ongoing strategic risks posed by infectious diseases. Ultimately, the source highlights that medical logistics and anti-infective medications remain critical, yet vulnerable, components of national defense and regional stability.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/antimalarial-drug-supply-issues-during-world-war-ii/

"Effects of deployment on mental health in modern military forces: A review of longitudinal studies" by Peter Nasveld examines prospective longitudinal studies to determine how military deployment influences the mental health of service members and veterans. The findings highlight that actual combat exposure, rather than the simple act of being deployed, is the primary driver for conditions like PTSD and depression. Research indicates that certain factors, such as prior trauma or low baseline functional health, significantly increase an individual’s vulnerability to psychiatric issues after battle. Furthermore, the data suggests that mental health needs often evolve over time, sometimes intensifying months after a soldier returns home. Ultimately, the authors emphasize the necessity of ongoing health surveillance and targeted screenings to support those most at risk.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/effects-of-deployment-on-mental-health-in-modern-military-forces-a-review-of-longitudinal-studies/

"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Killing in Combat: A Review of Existing Literature" by Vicky Aldridge examines the complex psychological link between the act of killing in combat and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By analyzing various studies, the text reveals that service members who have taken a life generally report more severe trauma symptoms and higher levels of guilt or moral injury. Research indicates that the characteristics of the victim, such as being a civilian or a child, significantly intensify the emotional distress experienced by veterans. While most data suggests a strong correlation between combat killing and mental health struggles, some findings remain inconsistent due to gender differences and varying study methodologies. Ultimately, the source emphasizes that clinicians must address the specific act of killing during assessments to provide more effective, specialized support for the veteran population.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-killing-in-combat-a-review-of-existing-literature/

This historical overview chronicles the scientific breakthrough in identifying the pathogen and transmission method of the bubonic plague during the late 19th-century pandemic. While humanity previously attributed the disease to supernatural forces or toxic vapors, the emergence of germ theory allowed researchers like Alexandre Yersin to successfully isolate the bacterium now known as Yersinia pestis. The text highlights the critical contributions of Paul-Louis Simond, whose experiments proved that fleas acting as intermediaries between rats and humans were responsible for spreading the infection. It also frames these discoveries within a broader military and medical context, noting how figures like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch revolutionized public health. Ultimately, the source details how rigorous observation and competitive research transformed a misunderstood scourge into a preventable and treatable condition.

You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/the-history-of-plague-pt-2-the-discoveries-of-the-plague-bacillus-and-its-vector/