The type of injuries sustained in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets during an academic semseter

INTRODUCTION: Injuries during military training is a major problem, affecting readiness. Researchers have attempted to determine the various types of injuries that occur during initial basic training and for specialized training for all branches of the military. However, there is a relatively little study specifically conducted addressing Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). The purpose of this investigation was to determine specific types of injuries sustained in the Corps of Cadets (CoC) at Texas A&M University over the course of a fall semester. METHODS: 2,450 cadets were included in this study. Injured cadets that could not participate in their physical training were asked to complete an injury profile questionnaire. These questionnaires were collected and used to determine injury rates. RESULTS: Over the course of the semester, 152 cadets (6.2%) sustained injuries. Injury rates and body part distributions were calculated. However, some cadets fit into more than one category. Cadets suffered injuries to specific muscle groups (32.3%), joints (43.3%), bones (9.5%), skin (1.5%), and tendons/ ligaments (40.3%). Two cadets experienced a heat-related illness during training while the remaining (8.5%) missed training due to a non-injury-related illness.  DISCUSSION: This study found knee and ankle joint injuries to be the most prevalent. This finding is consistent with research studies of initial enlisted and officer training.