Impact of an Integrated Human Performance Support Group: Evaluation of Air Force Special Warfare Candidate Training and Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes Over Eight Fiscal Years.

This article evaluates the impact of the Special Warfare Human Performance Support Group (HPSG), established in fiscal year (FY) 2019, on Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) training outcomes, specifically graduation rates, musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) incidence, and related healthcare costs. Comparing data from FY 2015–18 (pre-HPSG) and FY 2019–22 (HPSG era) across multiple training pipelines, the study found significant improvements in graduation rates for Special Tactics (ST) and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) courses, stable graduation rates for Selection and Guardian Angel (GA) courses, and mixed changes in MSKI incidence—with decreases in GA but increases in ST and TACP pipelines. Importantly, the HPSG era saw a substantial reduction in MSKI-related healthcare costs and fewer medical encounters per injured candidate, suggesting enhanced efficiency in injury management despite variable injury rates. The findings highlight the HPSG’s role in integrating medical and human performance support to improve training outcomes and cost-effectiveness within AFSPECWAR pipelines.