U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Lab plays important role in soldier safety [Video]

FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. (WTVY) – Prioritizing the safety of our soldiers, that’s what Fort Novosel’s U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) works toward.

Colonel Matthew Hoefer, the commander of USAARL, gave News4 a behind-the-scenes look at some of the operations at the Lab.

USAARL uses multiple devices, simulators and computer systems to prepare troops by recreating situations they may encounter out in the field.

“We are really interested in all of their gear, their helmets, their vests, but also, we want to protect them in their vehicles and aircraft,” Col. Hoefer said.

Some of the studies done in USAARL can take just an hour or last over several days.

One of the jobs of USAARL’s Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group (IBPG) is focusing on helmets, seatbelts, restraint systems and seating systems inside anything soldiers may be riding in.

This puts the gear to the test, making sure it’s survivable.

“The …