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(iv) such other matters as such official
considers appropriate;
(B) in the case of blast injury mitigation,
research on—
(i) armor design and materials testing
for blast and ballistic protection;
(ii) the design of a comprehensive, in-
tegrated, flexible armor system which pro-
vides blast, ballistic, and fire protection for
the head, neck, ears, eyes, torso, and extrem-
ities; and
(iii) such other matters as such official
considers appropriate; and
(C) in the case of blast injury treatment, re-
search on emerging military medical tech-
nologies, pharmacological agents, devices, and
treatment and rehabilitation techniques.
(d) STUDIES.—The executive agent designated under
subsection (a) shall conduct studies on the prevention, miti-
gation, and treatment of blast injuries, including—
(1) studies to improve the clinical evaluation
and treatment of blast injuries, with an emphasis on
traumatic brain injuries and other consequences of
blast injury, including acoustic and eye injuries and
injuries resulting from over-pressure wave; and
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(2) studies to develop improved clinical protocols
by which physicians—
(A) can more accurately evaluate traumatic
brain injuries and discriminate between trau-
matic brain injuries and post traumatic stress
disorder (including improved diagnostic and cog-
nitive measures);
(B) can identify members of the Armed
Forces who may have both traumatic brain in-
jury and post traumatic stress disorder; and
(C) can develop integrated treatment ap-
proaches for servicemembers who have both trau-
matic brain injuries and post traumatic stress
disorder and other multiple injuries.
(e) PILOT PROJECTS.—The executive agent designated
under subsection (a) shall commence in fiscal year 2006 not
less than three pilot projects on the prevention, mitigation,
and treatment of blast injuries, including pilot projects—
(1) to study the incidence in returning soldiers
of traumatic brain injuries attributable to blast inju-
ries;
(2) to develop protocols for medical tracking of
members of the Armed Forces for up to five years fol-
lowing blast injuries; and
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(3) to refine and improve educational interven-
tions for blast injury survivors and their families.
(f) TRAINING PROGRAM.—The executive agent des-
ignated under subsection (a) shall establish a training pro-
gram for medical and non-medical personnel on the preven-
tion, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries which pro-
gram shall be intended to improve field and clinical train-
ing on early identification of blast injury consequences, both
seen and unseen, including traumatic brain injuries, acous-
tic injuries, and internal injuries.
(g) TREATMENT PROGRAM.—The executive agent des-
ignated under subsection (a) shall conduct a treatment pro-
gram intended to enhance the evaluation and care of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injuries in
medical facilities in the United States and in deployed
medical facilities.
(h) ANNUAL REPORTS ON BLAST INJURY MATTERS.—
(1) REPORTS REQUIRED.—Not later than Feb-
ruary 15, 2006, and annually thereafter through
2010, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the con-
gressional defense committees a report on the efforts
of the Department of Defense to prevent, mitigate,
and treat blast injuries.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report under paragraph
(1) shall include the following:
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(A) A description of the activities under-
taken under this section during the year pre-
ceding the report to improve the prevention,
mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries.
(B) A consolidated budget presentation for
the programs and activities of the Department of
Defense during the fiscal year beginning in the
year of the report for the prevention, mitigation,
and treatment of blast injuries.
(C) A description of any gaps in the capa-
bilities of the Department under its programs
and activities for the prevention, mitigation, and
treatment of blast injuries, and a description of
any plans or projects to address such gaps.
(D) A description of collaboration, if any,
with other departments and agencies of the Fed-
eral Government, and with other countries, dur-
ing the year preceding the report in efforts for
the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of
blast injuries.
(E) A description of any efforts during the
year preceding the report to disseminate findings
on the mitigation and treatment of blast injuries
through civilian and military research and med-
ical communities.