A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF INFECTIONS AND INJURIES OF RANGER STUDENTS

Causes of medical attrition and their implications for medical support for the U.S. Army Ranger course are considered, based on data collect ed from 190 students in a summer class. In the second half of the cour se, an increase in documented infection rates, notably cellulitis of t he lower extremities and Streptococcus carriage prevalence, coincided with indications of compromised immune function. The authors suggest t hat aggressive treatment in the field, including liberal use of antibi otics, and periodic examination of each student by medical personnel a re critical factors which will minimize medical attrition and ensure s afe participation of soldiers in this and other stressful and sustaine d field exercises.