Digital Twins For A Digital World: Data-Driven Training Optimizing The Ready Medical Force

By Col. Paul O. Kwon, DO MPH; Gary P. Zientara PhD; Cmdr. Darshan S. Thota, MD; George Matook; Maj. William T. Davis, MD; William Y. Pike, PhD; Maj. Allison J. Brager, PhD; Col. Jeremy C. Pamplin, MD

Read Time: < 13 mins

Military medical training faces challenges in preparing forces for large-scale combat operations. This article proposes using humanoid digital twins and AI-driven data collection to personalize medical training, similar to professional sports analytics. The MASTER-E program exemplifies data-driven performance optimization, though significant infrastructure and governance challenges remain for implementation.

A promotional image with large white text reading 'DIGITAL TWINS FOR A DIGITAL WORLD' overlaid on a futuristic blue-tinted background featuring a silhouetted figure with digital interface elements, data visualizations, and biometric monitoring displays. Below the main title is a subtitle that reads 'DATA-DRIVEN TRAINING OPTIMIZING THE READY MEDICAL FORCE'. The background includes various technological elements like charts, connection nodes, and digital overlays suggesting advanced medical and fitness monitoring technology.

Two soldiers in multicam camouflage uniforms walking away from the camera across a dusty, arid landscape. Both are wearing tactical helmets equipped with night vision goggles and other electronic devices, along with full combat gear including body armor and tactical vests. The soldier on the right appears to be holding or carrying something in their hands. The background shows a blurred desert or training environment with some structures visible in the distance.

Read Time: < 7 mins

IN SOF: Relationships Reign Supreme

Captain Keyes describes how Special Operations Forces teams in Syria succeeded through strong relationships built during pre-mission training. His Civil Affairs Team, Special Forces ODAs, and Tactical PsyOps Teams adapted to Syria's changing environment after Assad's fall by prioritizing communication, teamwork, and collaborative training that created lasting professional bonds.

By Capitan Nicholas Keyes

A six-panel collage highlighting images from the article visually explores digital security and connectivity.

Read Time: < 8 mins

The Six Events of the Army Cyber Fitness Test

The article proposes a six-event “Army Cyber Fitness Test” (ACFT) to improve cyber readiness and understanding of cyber threats. The events are: Securing a Machine, Securing Data, Securing Network Traffic, Concealing Network Traffic, Understanding Social Engineering, and Managing Location Data.

By Allison Moore, Data Scientist, Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Soldiers carry a casualty on a stretcher toward a U.S. Army medical evacuation helicopter in a grassy clearing. One soldier signals the aircraft as others assist in the evacuation effort.

Read Time: < 12 mins

Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center: Transformation & Modernization

This article examines how the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center (JSOMTC) is modernizing its courses—including Special Operations Combat Medic, Special Forces Medical Sergeant, and Civil Affairs Medical Sergeant—to better prepare SOF medics for the challenges of large-scale combat operations, prolonged field care, and irregular warfare environments.

By Maj. Brett Ambroson, Doctor of Medicine, Special Operations Combat Medic Course Director and Col. Amy Bogiel, DO, U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School Surgeon

Read Time: < 8 mins

From Triangles To Circles: Reshaping Cyber-Space-SOF Triad for Maximum Operational Impact

The irregular warfare combined arms framework is a more efective way to understand the important intent behind the Cyber-Space-SOF Triad. Rather than framing the trinity concept as a modern deterrent with parallels to the three nuclear weapons delivery modalities, the triad should be reshaped into a combined arms framework that builds upon the understanding of conventional combined arms.

Lt. Llyod Forrest Hansen, U.S. Navy