Aim High: Readiness & Meeting the Standards in Military Pre-Recruits

The primary objective of the proposed study is to complete a comprehensive needs assessment of the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) Youth Challenge Program (YCP) in the YCP leadership and junior cadet population related to nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental health and resilience. Results of this needs assessment will further inform the development of the intervention skills training program.

The secondary objective of this work is to provide a scalable, integrated physical and mental optimization training program that would be integrated into relevant systems and maintained over time as a core tool for young individuals readying themselves to join the Army. The program would include an environmental intervention approach as well as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress reduction/positive coping guidance.