Close quarter battle (CQB) involves a variety of low-level blast (LLB) mechanisms, with training cycles requiring frequent exposures to these overpressures. The cumulative effects of these exposures are important to understand and monitor, both for how it can impact readiness and lethality as well as the potential long-term health consequences of these exposures.
SFC McEvoy and SFC Crabtree are co-first authors on a published study that evaluated the cumulative blast exposures for Special Operations Forces in a CQB training environment. [1]
They utilized flashbangs, single strand roll-up interior charges, 300 gr ECT, and Jelly charges. The following are some of their findings.
Flashbang – 1.97 mean peak psi
Single strand roll-up – 3.88 mean peak psi
300 grain explosive cutting tape- 2.78 mean peak psi
Jelly charge- 1.89 mean peak psi
While the mean peak psi of these detonations falls below the DoD overpressure threshold of 5psi, the authors noted that CQB training involves multiple exposures over multiple days.
To represent the cumulative blast exposures, they calculated total psi over a typical five-day CQB training, which they found would be 184 psi.
Based on their findings, they estimated a SOF Service member would be exposed to approximately 2760 psi over a 15-week training cycle.
They also noted that their study was performed in one of the most modern facilities in the U.S. military and included building features designed to mitigate the effects of LLB exposures including raised open air roofs, and modern Dura-Bloc rubber leads.
They state that their estimates likely underestimate the cumulative blast overpressure that most training environments offer.
This study highlights the significant cumulative overpressure Service members experience throughout their career and emphasizes the importance of tracking exposures, addressing immediate impacts, and evaluating potential causal relationships between cumulative overpressures and long-term health.
References:
- McEvoy, C. B., Crabtree, A., Powell, J. R., Meabon, J. S., & Mihalik, J. P. (2023). Cumulative blast exposure estimate model for special operations forces combat soldiers. Journal of neurotrauma, 40(3-4), 318-325.