Human Performance Optimization

Abstract

The term "Human Performance Optimization" (HPO) emerged across the Department of Defense (DoD) around 2006 when the importance of human performance for military success on the battlefield was acknowledged. Likewise, the term Total Force Fitness (TFF) arose as a conceptual framework within DoD in response to the need for a more holistic approach to the unparalleled operational demands with multiple deployments and strains on the United States Armed Forces. Both HPO and TFF are frameworks for enhancing and sustaining the health, well-being, and performance among our warriors and their families; they are fundamental to accomplishing our nation's mission. A demands-resources model for HPO is presented within the context of TFF to assist in operationalizing actions to enhance performance. In addition, the role leaders can serve is discussed; leaders are uniquely postured in the military chain of command to directly influence a culture of fitness for a ready force, and promote the concept that service members are ultimately responsible for their fitness and performance.

Feasibility of Formal Mindfulness-Based Stress-Resilience Training Among Surgery Interns

“…Moreover, at our institution, focus group and key interview content analysis revealed recurrent themes and concepts indicating undesirable affective and behavioral changes during residency and the desire for training to mitigate this process. Evidence supporting the value of formal cognitive training to enhance psychological well-being and/or performance comes from the military, 54,55 professional sports, 56,57 and, more recently, surgery. 58 Although training and practice are central pillars of surgery, the explicit desire for cognitive skills training is arguably new, and therefore worth demonstrating.…”

A New Model for Optimizing Firefighter Human Performance

“…I n 2006, human performance optimization (HPO) and Total Force Fitness (TFF) emerged as conceptual frameworks within the Department of Defense (DoD) (19). The objectives of these frameworks are to provide a holistic approach for enhancing the performance, health, and well-being of U.S. soldiers and their families (19). Today, these frameworks are ingrained throughout the DoD and are indispensable to the military community (19).…”

“…The objectives of these frameworks are to provide a holistic approach for enhancing the performance, health, and well-being of U.S. soldiers and their families (19). Today, these frameworks are ingrained throughout the DoD and are indispensable to the military community (19). With the successful integration of HPO and TFF in the military community, the time has come to discuss the use of similar concepts that are best suited for members of public safety (i.e., firefighters and law enforcement).…”

Human Performance Optimization (HPO) for the Warfighter—Keeping It Simple in a Complex Age: A Narrative Review

“…Indeed, lessons learned over the past 2 decades have been internalized by western militaries resulting in a considerable improvement in the training, competence, motivation, and overall combat effectiveness of the warfighter (39). As part of this evolution, there has been an increased emphasis in military and scientific circles on the concept of Human Performance Optimization (HPO) (17,19,56). HPO can be defined as "the process of applying knowledge, skills, and emerging technologies to improve and preserve the capabilities of military personnel to execute essential tasks" (17).…”

“…As part of this evolution, there has been an increased emphasis in military and scientific circles on the concept of Human Performance Optimization (HPO) (17,19,56). HPO can be defined as "the process of applying knowledge, skills, and emerging technologies to improve and preserve the capabilities of military personnel to execute essential tasks" (17). Fundamentally, HPO aims to leverage evidence-based information and best practices to make military personnel as resilient, capable, agile, and lethal as possible (10).…”