U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory

U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory In the early 1960's, then Col. Therefore, on July 1, 1962, Neel and Maj. Gen. Earnest Esterbrook, then commander of the U.S.

Spurgeon Neel, commander of Lyster Army Hospital at Fort Rucker, Ala., now Fort Novosel, recognized that an expanding Army aviation community would need specialized medical and physiological support to help close the gap between Army combat aviation needs and human capabilities, and to protect aviators from altitude, climate, noise, acceleration, impact, and other stressors. Army Aviation Center a

t Fort Novosel, established the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Unit with a goal of providing 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 also part of the Unit's early research program. In 1969, as USAARU's involvement in air mobility research grew, the Army re-designated the unit as USAARL. In May 1978, ground was broken for a new laboratory facility, with completion in March 1981. During the 1980's, USAARL scientists and support staff became increasingly involved in field studies throughout the Army in assessing hazards of military systems and operations, and biomedical means of enhancing Soldier selection, performance, and protection. In 1990, USAARL was honored with the Department of Defense Award for Excellence. For its support and contributions to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, USAARL was awarded the Army Superior Unit Service Ribbon in 1992. In April 2004, USAARL's building was dedicated in memory of Maj. Neel for his integral role in the development of the principles of aeromedical evacuation of battlefield casualties. In October 2012, USAARL celebrated 50 years of medical research in support of the Soldier, on topics including vehicle operator injury, Soldier performance under stressful conditions, airworthiness testing, air safety, occupational hazard exposures, and personal protective equipment. Today, USAARL remains committed to the aviator, the airborne Soldier, and the ground Warrior, as the Laboratory's research focuses on cognitive and sensory workload, displays and automation, unmanned systems, task saturation, noise, medical standards, crashworthiness, wearable sensors, head and spine injury, aeromedical transport, and MEDEVAC interior space. By providing the Army's Cross Functional Teams, military developers, and commanders with expertise and data-driven information, USAARL will advance the Army's modernization priorities and enhance the performance and safety of Warfighters operating complex Army systems.

Meet Your GEMS Teachers and MentorsThe U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory welcomed the 2026 Gains in the Educatio...
06/19/2026

Meet Your GEMS Teachers and Mentors

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory welcomed the 2026 Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) mentors and teachers as we began training in preparation for this year’s program.

The GEMS staff used the past two weeks to complete administrative tasks, learn and practice experiments, and set up their classrooms. Now everything is ready for the first session of students to arrive on Monday and it’s time for you to meet the mentors and teachers!

USAARL is excited to support this annual effort, which in 2026 will allow over 420 students to grow in their knowledge in the following topics:

• Planetary – 4th / 5th grade students’ investigation of geology, oceanography, and meteorology.
• Neuroscience – 6th / 7th grade students’ investigation of the anatomy, function, and development of the central nervous system and the brain.
• Biochemistry – 8th / 9th grade students’ exploration of chemical processes and reactions occurring in living things and experimentation in chemistry and biology.
• Agriscience – 10th / 11th grade students’ examination of the application of science to agriculture and development of an understanding of human relations, communication, and the importance of agriculture to the economy.

Follow USAARL over the next few weeks as we post frequent updates from GEMS sessions.

Remember the recognition ceremonies are scheduled for 2PM on the following dates:

• Session 1 – Friday, June 26
• Session 2 – ** Thursday, July 2 **
• Session 3 – Friday, July 10
• Session 4 – Friday, July 17

U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command | US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE | Army Educational Outreach Program - Army STEM | |

Ozark City Schools’ Camp Invention program at D.A. Smith Middle School sparked students’ curiosity through hands-on ac...
06/18/2026

Ozark City Schools’ Camp Invention program at D.A. Smith Middle School sparked students’ curiosity through hands-on activities that focused on entrepreneurship and invention, space exploration and planetary science, forensic science and animal mysteries, and intellectual property protection and cryptography. The 120 kindergarten through 6th graders who participated in the one-week camp received scholarships from the Army Educational Outreach Program.

Camp Invention is a weeklong summer adventure with activities that help students explore the connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Camp Invention provides students with opportunities to bring their biggest ideas to life while developing essential 21st-century skills. Throughout the camp, students rotate through STEM activities that encourage them to collaborate, build confidence and persistence, and invent creative solutions to real-world problems. USAARL champions Camp Invention in Ozark City Schools.

U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command | US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE
Army Educational Outreach Program - Army STEM | National Science Teaching Association

Army aviation has entered a new era of cockpit communication. Advanced 3D spatial audio technology was successfully inst...
06/16/2026

Army aviation has entered a new era of cockpit communication. Advanced 3D spatial audio technology was successfully installed on two U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Black Hawk helicopters, marking a significant leap forward in pilot situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

Army aviation has entered a new era of cockpit communication. Advanced 3D spatial audio technology was successfully installed on two U.S. Army Aviation...

Leaders from the Polish Armed Forces toured USAARL during their visit to Fort Rucker. During the tour, the Polish delega...
06/12/2026

Leaders from the Polish Armed Forces toured USAARL during their visit to Fort Rucker. During the tour, the Polish delegation engaged with USAARL subject matter experts to discuss research in helmet testing, helicopter seat design, the Aviation Life Support Equipment Retrieval Program (ALSERP), and the Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System (IHADSS).

USAARL remains dedicated to supporting Army aviation modernization and strengthening international cooperation to ensure our Soldiers and Allies are equipped for success—today and in the future.

U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command | US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE

Volunteers Needed!HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE EVALUATION
06/11/2026

Volunteers Needed!
HEARING PROTECTION DEVICE EVALUATION

Volunteers NeededStudy Title: Measuring Operator Response to Adaptive Automation: Phase 2You will complete computer and ...
05/14/2026

Volunteers Needed

Study Title: Measuring Operator Response to Adaptive Automation: Phase 2
You will complete computer and aviation workload tasks while using automation systems.

Your physiology (cardiac activity, brain activity, and eye movements) will be recorded during the study.

The student application for USAARL’s 2026 Gains in the Education of Math and Science (GEMS) program is open until May 17...
04/29/2026

The student application for USAARL’s 2026 Gains in the Education of Math and Science (GEMS) program is open until May 17, 2026.

Detailed application information can be found on our website at:

https://usaarl.health.mil/index.cfm/stem/gems/gems_student

U.S. Army Medical Research & Development Command | US Army Fort Rucker & AVCOE | | | Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)

Day 4 of the MRDC Best Squad Competion train-up was held at Fort Benning, GA. Well done to all the MRDC competitors. Tha...
04/24/2026

Day 4 of the MRDC Best Squad Competion train-up was held at Fort Benning, GA. Well done to all the MRDC competitors.

Thanks to the following Fort Benning units for their support:

- Warrior Training Center - Air Assault Obstacle Course
- 2-29 Infantry Regiment, 197th Infantry Training Brigade - Heavy Weapons Familiarization
- U.S. Army Combatives Course - Combatives

U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence

USAARL continued to provide training support to MRDC's Best Squad Team candidates on Day 3... wait until you see the Day...
04/24/2026

USAARL continued to provide training support to MRDC's Best Squad Team candidates on Day 3... wait until you see the Day 4 training!

Address

6901 Farrel Road
Daleville, AL
FORTNOVOSEL,ALABAMA36362

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