Neurocognitive and Physiological Factors During High-Tempo Operations (Human Factors in Defence)

Hardcover, xxiv + 261 pages, NOT ex-library. Fine interior, clean and bright throughout, unmarked text, free of inscriptions and stamps, firmly bound. Boards show short creases to corners. Issued without a dust jacket. -- This volume investigates the biological and mental limits of personnel operating in "high-tempo" military environments. It brings together experts in neuroscience, psychology, and physiology to examine how extreme stress, sleep deprivation, and rapid information flow affect decision-making and physical performance. The book focuses on the "human dimension" of modern warfare, where technological advances often outpace the natural processing power of the human brain. Stress and the Brain: It details the neuroendocrine responses to combat stress, specifically how the release of cortisol and adrenaline impacts the prefrontal cortex, leading to "tunnel vision" or impaired judgment. Sleep Deprivation: A significant portion is dedicated to the physiological toll of sustained operations. It explores circadian rhythm disruption and the effectiveness of pharmacological vs. behavioural interventions to maintain alertness. Information Overload: The authors analyse the cognitive load placed on soldiers by modern "network-centric" warfare, where the sheer volume of data can lead to cognitive paralysis or "friendly fire" incidents. Resilience and Selection: Several chapters discuss how to identify and train for "stress-hardiness," using biomarkers to predict which individuals might be more resilient to post-traumatic stress or physical exhaustion. The book is structured to move from laboratory theory to field application: - Neurocognitive Factors: Focuses on memory, attention, and executive function under fire. - Physiological Monitoring: Discusses wearable technologies and sensors used to monitor a soldier's vital signs and "cognitive readiness" in real-time. - Operational Case Studies: Includes data from high-stakes environments, such as special forces missions and long-duration flight operations. Steven Kornguth and Michael D. Matthews are affiliated with prestigious institutions like the University of Texas and West Point, ensuring the text bridges the gap between academic research and military doctrine. The monograph is primarily intended for defence scientists, military psychologists, and commanders involved in training and human systems integration. -- Contents: Part I. Cognition During Real-World Activities Part II. Cognition During Sleep Deprivation Part III. Cognition During Stress and Anxiety Part IV. Guidance from Military Leadership and Ethical Considerations [Military Operations: Humans Not Machines Make the Difference; Is Supraphysiological Enhancement Possible, and What are the Downsides?; US Army Future Concept for the Human Dimension: Chief Human Dimension Executive Summary; Sustaining Performance in Mass Casualty Environments; Neuropsychiatry and Aviation Safety; Closing Remarks: Realization of Existing Capabilities in Sustaining Performance]; Index -- "The book features world-renowned scientists conducting cutting-edge research into how stress affects the human body and psyche. It introduces novel pharmaceuticals and equipment designed to sustain or enhance performance under stress. The book's insights extend beyond the military to fields like emergency medicine, law enforcement, and disaster response. Distinct from earlier publications, it presents state-of-the-art neuroscience data in a format accessible to professionals from varied backgrounds. It not only discusses behavior and perception but also integrates brain imagery and physiological evidence. The book synthesizes hard data with field experience to show how institutions like the US Army can measure, monitor, and enhance human performance.".