Defense Mavericks

Optimizing Human Performance in Combat with Allison Brager

Apr 30, 2024

Allison Brager, U.S. Army neurobiologist and CrossFit athlete, discusses optimizing human performance in combat. Topics include stress exposure, fatigue management policies for Army drivers, importance of individualized training, and leveraging science and technology to push human limits. Tune in to learn about the future of training in special forces.

33:27

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Episode guests

Allison Brager

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Leveraging science and technology to enhance human performance in combat is crucial.

Implementing individualized training programs based on genetics can optimize special forces performance.

Deep dives

Professional Journey and Call to Service

Having served as a major in the US Army with a background in neuroscience and sports, the speaker shares her journey and motivation starting with the call to service post-9/11. Transitioning from academia to military, she emphasizes the importance of selfless service and collaboration to enhance human performance through science and technology.

Introduction

4min

Pushing Limits: From CrossFit Competitions to Military Performance

16min

Utilizing Technology for Personalized Fitness Programs Based on Menstrual Cycles and Biometrics

2min

Strategic Policies for Resilience and Combat Power Enhancement

2min

Navigating the Intersection of Research and Acquisition in the DoD

3min

Dreams of Reaching for the Stars

8min

This week, Bonnie is joined by Allison Brager, U.S. Army neurobiologist, sleep expert, CrossFit athlete, aspiring astronaut, and Deputy Chief Science Officer for the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center to talk about how to optimize human performance in combat. Allison dives into the importance of leveraging science and technology to push human limits in both athletic and military environments and why fatigue management policies should be prioritized in the DoD. Tune in to this engaging discussion on the future of individualized training in special forces.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:30) Allison’s journey from academia to the Army

(4:59) Why stress exposure is key to performance

(7:31) Using CrossFit for military recruitment

(10:45) Implementing fatigue management policies for Army fleet truck drivers

(12:23) Is sleep a sign of weakness?

(18:37) Why we need individualized training programs & how genetics are at play

(22:14) The secret to maximizing our combat power

(32:48) Humans over hardware

LINKS:

Follow Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-brager-80a58210/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/