An evaluation of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) human performance program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the strength and conditioning component of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) Human Performance Program on its effectiveness in improving the movement quality and physical performance of Special Forces Candidates (n=511) during Phase V of the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). In addition, this study aimed to determine the association between movement quality and scores on various performance metrics on the reported incidence of injury up to three months after completion of Phase V of the SFQC. Soldiers underwent a screening process to help identify and mitigate potential injuries, followed by a series of performance metrics aimed at assessing body composition, power, agility, strength, and anaerobic endurance. Soldiers then participated in a comprehensive 19-week strength and conditioning program developed and implemented by certified strength and conditioning specialists. Soldiers were reassessed after the 19-week program to determine if the protocols were successful in improving physical performance. Based on the data analyses it appeared that the strength and conditioning protocols implemented as part of Phase V of the SFQC were successful in improving physical performance. A series of paired t-tests used to analyze pre-and posttest scores demonstrated statistically significant improvements in movement quality, body composition, power, agility, and strength. A binary logistic regression was used to determine odds that performance on the physical performance metrics may be associated with reported incidence of injury. This analysis yielded statistically significant results for the Functional Movement Screen as a predictor for the odds of reporting an injury during Phase V of the Special Forces Qualification Course. Other factors outside the scope of this study, such as age, height, bodyweight, and time in service, may influence the odds of reporting an injury, thus warranting further investigation. Operational readiness is based on physical abilities and the absence of injury. The results of this study suggest that appropriate strength and conditioning programs can improve certain aspects of operational readiness and possibly mitigate the risk of injury. However, further research should be undertaken to clarify important factors in this regard