TAC-STIM
Made in the USA
ENHANCING FORCE READINESS
Biotechnology Enhanced
Performance with
TAC-STIM (nVNS)
GOALS
TRAINING
Accelerate training and knowledge acquisition
• Superior retention
• Lower washout rates
• Increase training throughput
• Address workforce shortages
MISSION
Sustain, optimize, and enhance task performance
• Eliminate/Minimize performance degradation
• Decrease fatigue
• Mitigate operational stress
RECOVERY
Restore abilities to baseline
• Reduce downtime
• Maintain operational readiness
• Optimize warfighter brain health
The technology
TAC-STIM is a portable device that is being designed specifically for use by the Military. It stimulates the vagus nerve, only needs a few minutes to administer, and has long-lasting benefits.
Non-Invasive
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS)
Why TAC-STIM
Warfighters undergo intensive, fast-paced training that causes fatigue. Sleep deprivation and fatigue lead to slower reaction times, reduced ability to multitask, and increased lapses of attention.⁴
Prolonged military operations in harsh and adverse conditions can compromise the perceptual, cognitive, and emotional resources necessary to sustain performance on mission-related tasks across operational units.²
Cognitive neuroenhancement tools and techniques, such as TAC-STIM, that can accelerate training, sustain attention, reduce fatigue, and improve mood are being explored by various Military units and is considered a critical need to promote readiness and performance across the force.⁵
TAC-STIM can offer benefits in many areas related to mission performance enhancement and optimization. nVNS has been shown to facilitate learning and memory,⁶⁻⁹ enhance multiple elements of cognition, such as arousal, attention, multi-tasking, decision-making, and memory,⁴ ⁶ ¹⁰ ¹¹ improve the ability to learn a new language,¹² ¹³ boost mood after prolonged periods of activity,¹⁴ and improve fatigue and sleepiness.¹⁵
TAC-STIM was developed in close collaboration with the 711th Human Performance Wing at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. AFRL also conducted independent testing of the device, demonstrating its military applications.
electroCore™, the manufacturer of TAC-STIM, is a part of multiple collaborative research and grant efforts to demonstrate ways that nVNS can improve performance, combat fatigue without negative side effects, and accelerate training.
TAC-STIM
in the Field
TAC-STIM has the potential to mitigate multiple challenges. There is substantial need to accelerate training and improve performance across the force.
- The demand for ISR analysts to support ongoing operations has grown exponentially over the past decade in the face of analyst attrition due to operational burnout.18
- The Air Force is attempting to accelerate pilot production while helping airmen retain more information to overcome the serious pilot shortage.19
- Foreign language skills and cultural expertise are critical capabilities needed by today’s military to face the challenges of our present security environment.20
Completed research demonstrates that TAC-STIM offers utility in military training environments. Additional research and training efforts are underway to further examine the benefits of TAC-STIM in other deployment environments, such as active mission support and post-mission recovery.
Training
• Foreign Language Initial Acquisition Program
• School Houses
• Special Ops training
• Other specific training environments
Mission Support
• Preparation
• Increase vigilance
• Decrease fatigue
• Improve performance
Post mission
• After action debrief
• Facilitate decompression
• Learning consolidation
• Physical and mental restoration
