Crew Endurance Training in the United States Navy: Interim Assessment of a 3-year Project

Abstract

This project was designed to support the US Navy’s (USN) implementation of circadian- based watchbills by providing guidance on sleep management and shipboard practices which support crew endurance. In the first two years of the three-year effort, we identified specific training needs and developed instructor-led materials. We delivered the training to two audiences all active duty members of the US Navy or US Marine Corps: senior leaders and entry-level to mid-level personnel (N=353 participants; 15 training sessions total). Following the training, we administered a short questionnaire to obtain individual feedback. Responses from both audiences showed a high level of satisfaction with the training. Future efforts will focus on improving the training materials, further assessing training, and developing additional materials designed for specific military audiences at increased risk of insufficient sleep.