The U.S. military has more than 200 programs devoted to brain injuries and the psychological health of its men and women but no uniform way to evaluate whether they work or to share their findings, according to a study commissioned by the Pentagon.
The Rand Corp. study said some programs overlap and that the proliferation of programs creates “a high risk of a poor investment” of military spending.
Military officials are still reviewing the report, but some of its recommendations are already being implemented, said Defense Department spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith on Monday. The proliferation of programs came about because each branch of the service has the authority to create its own programs and because local commanders can also create or adapt programs to fit needs, Smith said.
