Wired for Readiness

The Role of Wearable Technology and AI in Military Preventative Medicine

By 2LT Kinley DeSpain and Dr. Hanna Jensen

Article published on: February 1, 2026 in the February 2026 e-Edition of Pulse of Army Medicine

Read Time: < 13 mins

Figure 1. A prototype of sensor-integrated combat apparel developed through a collaboration between Aptima, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the DoD Manufacturing Innovation Institute NextFlex. Designed for hazardous and confined environments, the garment incorporates embedded biometric sensors and connectivity features to enhance real-time physiological monitoring and safety in multi-domain operations.
Photo by Rebecca Ward, U.S. Department of Defense, DVIDS.

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND MILITARY SETTINGS

Recent studies highlight the growing use of wearable devices in demanding environments. This adoption reflects a shift toward identifying and mitigating health risks before they escalate. Fitness trackers and biosensors can effectively monitor small changes in heart rhythm (heart rate variability), skin temperature, and exertion, providing real-time insights into body strain (Hinde, White, & Armstrong, 2021). Examples of this technology include the Polar H10 heart rate monitor and the BioStamp sensor platform, which is used for skin temperature and exertion monitoring. Because most of these devices are portable, they can function outside of clinical settings, which would help sustain readiness in austere conditions.

In a potential battalion-level training scenario, soldiers could wear hydration and exertion monitors linked to secure apps. This system could include a Nix Hydration Biosensor patch and a Zephyr BioHarness. If rising skin temperature and declining hydration are detected, the company medic and platoon sergeant would then receive concise alerts, and leaders could then rotate affected soldiers into recovery intervals, preventing heat casualties and maintaining operational tempo without added workload.

ENHANCING PREVENTIVE CARE THROUGH AI AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

AI-powered systems build on basic sensors by analyzing biometric patterns to detect fatigue and stress before they degrade performance. Continuous monitoring of heart rhythm, sleep, and skin conductance can reveal subtle declines in performance. Hinde et al. (2021) showed that tracking these metrics helps signal performance drops early enough to adjust training and prevent injuries. Winslow et al. (2022) found that pairing sensors with AI improved mental health symptoms among service members.

A potential prolonged security mission is another example of how wearable technology may be incorporated. This technology enables a squad leader to receive notifications that a team member, who is supposed to stand watch that night, is trending toward fatigue. Temporarily rotating that soldier out of that watch would help preserve situational awareness and prevent lapses that could compromise the mission. This proactive approach could protect both the individual and the team’s effectiveness.

Wearables also help manage hydration, which directly affects clear thinking and reaction time. Soldiers in hot climates are especially prone to dehydration that undermines readiness. Culver et al. (2019) found hydration sensors provided timely feedback that helped prompt early interventions during field testing. Building on these capabilities, AI can further refine alerts by adapting to each soldier’s baseline. For example, during a multi-day ruck in high heat, wearable sensors could detect electrolyte decline in two soldiers. The platoon sergeant could receive a secure notification and adjust water intake and rest schedules before symptoms escalate. Preventing even one dehydration casualty in a deployed setting can avoid a 48-72 hour operational gap, significant airlift costs, and mission compromise.

LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES

Despite these advantages, integrating wearables and AI presents challenges. Privacy remains a primary concern. Sivakumar, Mone, and Abdumukhtor (2024) emphasize the importance of transparent governance and clear communication to build trust. Soldiers must understand how their data will be used and protected. Role-based access, such as appointing a battalion health data manager, ensures commanders receive concise summaries while medics oversee detailed information to limit the amount of information shared and any potential leaks.

Technical limitations also require planning considerations, weather and terrain. Dust, humidity, temperature extremes, and electromagnetic interference could all potentially affect accuracy and reliability. To mitigate these issues, designs should use hardened casings, backup power supplies, and data redundancy protocols to prevent information loss. Pre-deployment testing can help units identify performance gaps and develop contingency plans, such as manual hydration checks if sensors fail.

Figure 2. A next-generation wearable patch designed to monitor electrolyte levels in real time, developed through a collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratory and industry partners under the Nano-Bio
Manufacturing Consortium. The device uses AFRL-engineered sensor materials and microfluidic channels to detect sodium and potassium levels in sweat, transmitting data wirelessly to support performance optimization in heat and high-stress environments.
Courtesy photo by GE Global Research, Air Force Research Laboratory, DVIDS.

While integrating this technology into daily operations equips unit leaders with role-specifics and applicable information, we must try to avoid overloading leaders with data. A way to prevent information overload from occurring is by delegating which individuals will receive notification access. Dashboards can filter alerts to show only issues requiring action while medics can manage the full biometric picture. When those small declines in health are flagged early, leaders can reassign tasks or adjust timelines, maintaining momentum and reducing non-battle injuries.

Figure 3. A U.S. Space Force Guardian synchronizes data from a wearable fitness device during an informational session for the Continuous Fitness Assessment (CFA) study, led by the Air Force Research Laboratory near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. As part of the Space Force’s Holistic Health Approach, the CFA explores replacing traditional fitness tests with continuous physiological monitoring to support long-term readiness and performance.
Photo by Richard A. Eldridge, U.S. Space Force, DVIDS.

Cilliers (2020) notes that adversaries could exploit intercepted health data. Robust encryption, secure transmission channels, and periodic cybersecurity audits should be integrated into any plan. Preparing for these challenges in advance helps ensure that technology supports operations without creating extra workload or risk.

IMPLEMENTATION PATHWAYS

To build confidence and validate performance of this system, the Army should pursue phased, low-barrier integration approaches. Collaboration with Brigade Medical Officers can establish protocols aligned with existing Force Health Protection measures and ensure data workflows complement the current readiness reporting. Field testing through Holistic Health and Fitness teams will help assess usefulness during training and measure how early interventions affect readiness and injury prevention.

Integrating this technology into demanding environments, and possibly pre-deployment training, would provide insights into device durability, user acceptance, and data reliability. Pilot programs in these operational environments, including Ranger School, Special Forces Assessment, and other Selection courses, would provide insights into device durability, user acceptance, and data reliability. Programs should collect feedback from leaders and soldiers to refine dashboards, access controls, and alert thresholds. They could track reductions in heat-related incidents, monitor changes in medical evacuation rates, or quantify improvements in unit readiness scores over a six-month period.

While initial investments in devices, training, and cybersecurity infrastructure will be necessary, long-term cost avoidance from fewer medical evacuations, decreased injury-related downtime, and sustained readiness could potentially offset implementation expenses. Validating these systems in realistic settings will demonstrate how early detection reduces non-battle injuries and preserves mission effectiveness.

Leader and Soldier confidence in its wearable technology use is as critical as the device’s system performance. Therefore, adoption success will depend on how well units trust the technology, perceive value in the alerts, and understand how their data is collected and protected. Including noncommissioned officer input in dashboard design and alert thresholds and gathering feedback from small-unit leaders during pilot programs can help ensure the system supports tactical decision-making. Early, clear evidence of improved readiness and user buy-in can accelerate adoption across the force.

DIRECTION FOR THE FUTURE

Wearable technology and AI-driven analytics offer the Army an opportunity to modernize preventive care. Shifting from reactive treatment to continuous and personalized monitoring gives leaders a clear picture of force readiness, enabling early intervention. Timely detection preserves combat power, reduces preventable injuries, and prevents mission delays. Future efforts should refine device durability, expand field testing, and establish secure frameworks for data use. Piloting these systems in Brigade Combat Teams, pre-deployment rotations, or environments like Ranger School will help validate performance and build trust in the equipment. Ultimately, integrating wearable technology and AI into preventive care is not just a modernization effort; this is an investment in a healthier, more resilient force ready to meet the demands of future conflict.

Figure 4. Rangers from the 2nd Ranger Battalion conduct a platoon live-fire exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington (June 6–10, 2025).
Photo by Spc. Samuel Dreher, U.S. Army, DVIDS.

REFERENCES