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This study determined anthropometric and body composition predictors of performance during a simulated direct-fire engagement. Healthy subjects ( N   = 33, age = 25.7 ± 7.0 yr) underwent anthropometric and body composition assessments before completing a simulated direct-fire engagement - consisting of marksmanship with cognitive workload assessment and a fire-and-move drill (16 × 6-m sprints) while wearing combat load. Susceptibility to enemy fire was modelled on sprint duration. Partial correlations and multiple linear regressions established the relationships between predictors and performance outcomes, controlling for age and sex. Significance was p  ≤ 0.05. Higher percent body fat, fat mass, fight load index predicted greater susceptibility to enemy fire ( r  = 0.40 to 0.42) and lower cognitive performance ( r = -0.45 to -0.49). Higher BMI also predicted lower cognitive performance ( r = -0.49). Shorter stature/hand length predicted higher marksmanship accuracy ( r = -0.40), while higher fat-free mass/fat-free mass index predicted slower reaction times ( r  = 0.36-0.41). These data suggest anthropometric and body composition measures modulate combat effectiveness and reinforce body composition standards in military organisations. Practitioner summary: This study identified field-expedient anthropometric and body composition predictors of a simulated direct-fire engagement that evaluated survivability (i.e. susceptibility to enemy fire) and lethality (i.e. marksmanship, cognitive performance) outcomes. Our findings suggest that anthropometric and body composition measures may play a role in soldier survivability and lethality during simulated direct-fire engagements.

This study examined if field-expedient physical fitness/performance assessments predicted performance during a simulated direct-fire engagement. Healthy subjects ( n  = 33, age = 25.7 ± 7.0 years) completed upper- and lower-body strength and power assessments and a 3-min all-out running test to determine critical velocity. Subjects completed a simulated direct-fire engagement that consisted of marksmanship with cognitive workload assessment and a fire-and-move drill (16 × 6-m sprints) while wearing a combat load. Susceptibility to enemy fire was modelled on average sprint duration during the fire-and-move drill. Stepwise linear regression identified predictors for the performance during the simulated direct-fire engagement. Critical velocity ( β = -0.30, p  < 0.01) and standing broad jump ( β = -0.67, p  < 0.001) predicted susceptibility to enemy fire ( R 2 = 0.74, p  < 0.001). All predictors demonstrated poor relationships with marksmanship accuracy and cognitive performance. These data demonstrate the importance of exercise tolerance and lower-body power during simulated direct-fire engagements and provide potential targets for interventions to monitor and enhance performance and support soldier survivability. Practitioner Summary: This study identified field-expedient physical fitness/performance predictors of a simulated direct-fire engagement which evaluated susceptibility to enemy fire, marksmanship, and cognitive performance. Our findings suggest that high-intensity exercise tolerance and lower-body power are key determinants of performance that predicted susceptibility to enemy fire.