USAARL

U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory

Fort Rucker, AL

The United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) was originally established as the United States Army Aeromedical Research Unit (USAARU) in October 1962. As envisioned by Major General Spurgen Neel, U.S. Army (Retired), the unit's mission was to provide direct aviation medical research support to all Army aviation and airborne activities, and to provide a central aeromedical research and reference library. Technical evaluation of aircraft and personnel equipment, aeromedical in-flight observations, and field problems analysis reported by other aviation agencies were part of the unit's early research program.

The USAARL's mission is to preserve and enhance the health, safety, combat effectiveness, and survivability of the U.S. Army Aviator and the Soldier. Our vision comprises five major task areas:

• Reduce health hazards and improve human performance in Army aviation platforms, tactical combat vehicles, and weapons systems.
• Evaluate and mitigate health hazards of noise, acceleration, impact, visual demands, and stress and fatigue of systems operators.
• Enhance aviation and combat life support equipment through improved design and performance requirements.
• Assist in the development of entry and retention criteria for specialized high performance military occupations.
• Evaluate medical devices for use aboard military medical evacuation aircraft.

"Through research, the USAARL supports the U.S. Army Medical Department's mission to "conserve the fighting strength."

http://www.usaarl.army.mil/