The Army has rolled out the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool across active-duty, National Guard and Reserve forces to establish baselines and expand monitoring for blast overpressure and traumatic brain injury risk.
97% of soldiers have completed the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool (NCAT) baseline test to measure memory, reaction time and other cognitive functions.
The NCAT baseline lets medical providers compare post-exposure results to identify cognitive changes linked to blast overpressure and guide treatment.
The Army plans a service-wide overpressure program covering exposure tracking, risk mitigation, injury reporting, training and cognitive monitoring.
The Army says nearly every soldier has now completed a new cognitive baseline test intended to help detect and track brain injuries related to blast overpressure. Officials report 97% participation in the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool, a computer-administered exam that measures functions such as memory and reaction time.
What the test does and why it matters
Department made the cognitive baseline assessment mandatory in 2024 to improve monitoring and recovery support for traumatic brain injury. The Army describes the NCAT as part of a larger effort to treat blast overpressure and low-level blast exposure as occupational safety and health hazards. The Army plans to publish a service-wide directive that will define elements like exposure tracking, risk mitigation measures, injury reporting protocols, training requirements and cognitive monitoring procedures.
The Army has attempted cognitive testing before and has sometimes failed to maintain follow-through. The report cites an earlier case where an artillery unit received pre-deployment neurological tests but did not receive required post-deployment assessments despite repeated blast exposures during deployment. The new NCAT program aims to close that gap by standardizing baselines and follow-up testing across the force.
Jordan Gillis, the assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment and a field artillery officer with combat experience, said establishing cognitive baselines will help monitor soldiers' brain health and assist medical providers with treatment. Gillis noted his own exposure to IEDs and related blast incidents during deployment.
What this means for soldiers and medical care
Clinicians will have a standardized cognitive reference point to detect declines or changes after blast exposure or concussion. For soldiers in high-exposure roles, annual testing increases the chance of identifying incremental changes early. The broader overpressure program promises coordinated exposure records and risk controls alongside cognitive monitoring, which could change how the Army tracks and responds to low-level and repeated blast injuries.
The Army intends to publish a directive outlining procedures and responsibilities, but implementation details such as data access, follow-up care timelines, and how exposure tracking will integrate with existing health records were not specified in the report.
About 97% of soldiers have used the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool, helping medical professionals combat the effects of blast overpressure and low-level blast exposure, the Army's top leader overseeing safety and occupational health said.
WASHINGTON — About 97 percent of Soldiers have taken the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool assessment, helping medical professionals combat the effects of blast overpressure and low-level blast exposure, the Army’s top leader overseeing safety and occupational health said. “It demonstrates our commitment to cognitive safe
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