FORT DETRICK, Md. (Aug. 27, 2014) — The Army has signed on as the executive agent for the Department of Defense’s (DOD) concussion initiative with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The initiative, known as the Grand Alliance, is a joint venture that will serve to enhance and accelerate research of traumatic injuries and concussive brain injuries, and the development, testing and regulatory approval of screening and diagnostic devices, clinical practice regiments, return to play/return to action protocol, and human prevention strategies, such as resiliency training to prevent such injuries.
Discussions about the Grand Alliance began in March 2013. The talks were prompted by obvious similarities between NCAA student athletes and military personnel – similarities such as youth, athleticism, physical and mental requirements for success as well as vulnerability to traumatic brain injuries (TBI).