Army Soldiers Completed Neurocognitive Assessments
The service reached 97 percent compliance with new brain health testing requirements for personnel.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Ninety-seven percent of Soldiers have completed the mandatory Neurocognitive Assessment Tool (NCAT) to monitor brain health. The Army implemented this requirement in 2024 to establish baselines and support recovery from traumatic brain injuries.
Why it matters
The Army established these protocols to track the impact of blast overpressure and low-level blast exposure, which are now recognized as critical occupational hazards. Regular assessments help ensure Soldiers maintain cognitive health throughout their service.
Ninety-seven percent of Soldiers have successfully completed the NCAT assessment. All personnel are required to complete the testing cycle every three years, while those in high-risk specialties undergo annual evaluations.
The players
Jordan Gillis
He is an official who completed the required neurocognitive assessment at the Pentagon in September 2026.
United States Army
It is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces tasked with national defense and the management of soldier health.
The details
The NCAT program is designed to establish reliable baselines for memory and reaction times, which are essential for identifying the effects of potential concussions. Soldiers in high-risk occupations, such as explosive ordnance disposal technicians, combat engineers, and field artillery personnel, are prioritized for this testing.
Timeline
2024: The Army launched the mandatory Neurocognitive Assessment Tool requirement.
September 18, 2026: Jordan Gillis took the assessment at the Pentagon.
Annual: Testing schedule for high-risk military occupational specialties.
Every three years: Testing schedule for all Soldiers in the military.
Market Landscape
The implementation of the NCAT reflects a fundamental shift in how military organizations manage occupational health hazards related to explosive force. This initiative positions the Army ahead of traditional diagnostic standards by institutionalizing preventative brain health monitoring.
Soldiers in specialized fields should expect to integrate annual neurocognitive screening into their training schedules. These assessments provide a documented medical history that aids in rapid diagnosis and recovery following potential blast exposure incidents.
The takeaway
The high completion rate indicates that brain health tracking has become a standard component of readiness for the modern force. These baseline metrics are critical for long-term health management after exposure to high-risk blast environments.
Further reading
For more information on current service requirements, see our guide to Military Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Army.
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