Practical methods to optimise the performance of personnel to 'prepare for and win the fight' was at the forefront of Army's Human Performance Symposium in September.
More than 150 people from the ADF and wider Defence network, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Fire and Rescue NSW, South Sydney Police Area Command and the Returned and Services League attended the symposium at Holsworthy Barracks or online via live-stream.
Presenters from Army, Air Force and industry highlighted the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, sufficient sleep, nutrition and scheduled recovery to enable people to be combat ready.
Major Angela Uphill, a physiotherapist from 2nd Health Brigade, presented nutrition and performance insights derived from her PhD research observing members on the Special Forces Selection Course in 2021.
"A range of data was collected to determine if there were indicators for who was more or less likely to make it through selection," Major Uphill said.
"We analysed body composition, hormone levels, physical performance, energy intake, sleep duration and age. Then we compared the data for those who did and didn't make it to the end.
"We found that there was no considerable difference in the data of those who finished versus those who didn't finish - there's much more to it than physical features. There are other factors that contribute to better performance."
Although extracted in the context of Special Forces recruitment, Major Uphill said practical application of the findings was relevant for preparing individuals and teams across the Army to be combat ready.
'Adversity often brings valuable lessons, and choosing to grow from those experiences can lead to personal development and great achievements.'
Reflecting on her 18 years of service as an Army intelligence officer, keynote speaker Sarah Watson talked about the role sport played in overcoming her mental health struggles.
Ms Watson was medically discharged in 2015 after being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and depression.
"When I left the Army I was riddled with shame. I felt like I had failed in my career and was mourning my future aspirations in service," Ms Watson said.
"I had some traumatic experiences throughout my career that I'd compartmentalised and hadn't dealt with.
"It wasn't until my brother said, 'What's wrong with you Sis? You're just not the same person' that I realised it was time to acknowledge it and do something about it."
Ms Watson shared how delving into sport and cycling was "life-changing" and significantly improved her mental health and overall wellbeing.
"I signed up for the pro-am Trois Étapes in the Italian Dolomites, cycled 400 kilometres and 10,000 metres in elevation over three days alongside Cadel Evans and Hamish Blake," Ms Watson said.
"I competed at the Hawaii Ironman World Championships, Invictus Games and recently won the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Townsville last month."
Ms Watson's inspirational story exemplified how theory could be put into practice to optimise human performance.
"I believe that the more we talk about mental health, the more we reduce the stigma," she said.
"There are steps we can take towards having a great life, not only in service, but beyond it too.
"Adversity often brings valuable lessons, and choosing to grow from those experiences can lead to personal development and great achievements. Aim high, back yourself and seize opportunities."
