Pentagon's blast-exposure tracking program stalls amid staffing and equipment shortfalls

A recent Government Accountability Office review found that the Defense Department's effort to track blast-overpressure incidents and assess brain health is hampered by insufficient staff and tools. While the services now must conduct baseline cognitive tests for new enlistees and those in artillery, infantry, explosive ordnance disposal and certain aviation roles, the Army had recorded exposure for less than 2% of roughly 142,000 potentially affected members by fiscal year 2025.

Navy officials reported that their industrial hygienists were dedicating up to 60% of their time to blast-related hazards, yet still fell short of the new requirements. The report notes that repeated blast exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory issues, and may contribute to long-term traumatic brain injury. A one-year pilot of a new cognitive assessment instrument could help address resource gaps, but the Pentagon has not detailed how it will evaluate the tool's effectiveness. The Office of the Secretary of Defense did not comment on the findings.