Assessment of the Army's Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning Program.

摘要

Special operations forces (SOF) are among the most capable in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in terms of both their skills and their physical abilities. To maximize these abilities, help prevent injuries, and increase the length of time these soldiers spend in the force, in 2009, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) provided U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) with funds to establish the Tactical Human Optimization, Rapid Rehabilitation and Reconditioning (THOR3) program. The program aims to increase the physical and mental capabilities of SOF soldiers, help them more rapidly recover from injuries sustained in combat or in training, and help them stay healthy and able to contribute longer. The THOR3 program was implemented in 2010, and there are plans to expand it to all USASOC commands. The program currently has a small HQ office under the USASOC Deputy Chief of Staff, Surgeon, and unit-level programs in the special forces groups, the Ranger Regiment, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Course and School, and battalions of these operational units that are stationed in other locations. Each unit-level program consists of a human performance program coordinator and a given number of strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, dietitians, and cognitive enhancement specialists. In anticipation of the program's expansion, USASOC asked RAND Arroyo Center to determine whether THOR3 is effectively utilizing the resources provided, with a particular emphasis on military, Army civilian, and contractor staffing. RAND also was asked to identify options for improving the program across the domains of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy (DOTMLPF-P). This study involved extensive interviews with THOR3 staff and consumers, site visits to several USASOC locations, and review of subject-matter expertise in the fields examined.