Medical Advanced Technology

The Medical Advanced Technology program (PE 0603002A) is a U.S. Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on maturing and demonstrating advanced medical technologies to enhance the survivability and readiness of U.S. Forces. The program's primary objectives are to develop and validate new drugs, medical devices, practices, and procedures that address health threats encountered across the spectrum of military operations. The program emphasizes late-stage technology maturation, including preclinical and clinical trials in compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. It also supports prototyping and testing of non-regulated technologies in relevant operational environments.

MM2: Medical Advance Technology Initiatives (CA) is a Congressional Interest Item supporting targeted research areas. In FY 2024, this included studies on hearing protection for communications, which evaluated bone conduction technology to improve communication effectiveness while reducing harmful noise exposure when used with personal protective equipment. Another effort investigated novel antibiotic strategies to prevent infection in severe fractures, aiming to reduce disability and accelerate return to duty. Additionally, a suicide prevention initiative focused on rural, remote, isolated, and OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) installations, collecting data to inform improvements in mental health interventions. In FY 2025, the program is directed to develop medical prophylaxis against radiological and nuclear threats, supporting force protection in the context of emerging CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) risks.

MM7: Enabling Medical Capability to Support Dispersed Operations Advanced Technology is dedicated to developing and demonstrating tele-monitored and remote-controlled medical evacuation modules compatible with future unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The project aims to support medical resupply and casualty evacuation in contested or dispersed operational environments. Efforts include maturing the Combat Evacuation Mission Module (CEMM), developing intelligent decision-support tools for medics (such as adaptive care guidelines on End User Devices), and integrating medical device alarms into flight medic communication systems. In FY 2026, the focus shifts to the Future En Route Casualty Care Sustainment Cap Set, which seeks to offload cognitive and physical burdens on en route care providers, especially during high-volume or long-duration evacuations.

MN7: Musculoskeletal Injury Screening Tool Advanced Technology addresses the detection, prevention, and management of musculoskeletal injuries (MSKI) among Soldiers. The project develops and validates prediction tools and algorithms to assess injury risk and optimize physical readiness, with the goal of reducing MSKI rates and improving outcomes after return to duty. Research includes validating brain and lung injury risk criteria for evaluating personal protective equipment (PPE) effectiveness, especially in blast and head impact scenarios. The project is closely coordinated with other Army and Department of Defense (DoD) efforts to ensure alignment and avoid duplication.

MO8: Expeditionary Performance Nutrition Advanced Technology focuses on developing individualized interventions to optimize Soldier mental acuity, manage fatigue, and address metabolic and nutritional needs during operations. The project aims to sustain physical, mental, and immunological performance by studying the impact of ration consumption on energy intake and operational performance. In FY 2026, the program will use findings from studies on Close Combat Assault Rations (CCAR) to develop recommendations for their use in operational settings, supporting evidence-based nutritional strategies for deployed forces.

MP3: Physical Chemical Toxicity Assessment System Advanced Technology develops solutions to protect Soldiers from environmental stressors such as heat, cold, altitude, and chemical toxicants during prolonged multi-domain operations. The project includes the development and validation of algorithms and physiological models to provide actionable information to leaders and Soldiers, enabling better management of metabolic needs and prevention of non-battle injuries. Key efforts include validating an early warning hypoxia monitoring tool for high-altitude operations and advancing a digital twin system for real-time health state prediction and squad readiness assessment.

The Medical Advanced Technology program is characterized by its cross-service coordination, external peer review, and alignment with the Army Modernization Strategy and DoD science and technology priorities. The program is designed to transition promising technologies from research to acquisition, ensuring that new medical solutions are safe, effective, and ready for operational use. Funding adjustments reflect evolving priorities, Congressional direction, and ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and workforce optimization in line with executive guidance.