Anomalous Incidents Research

The Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) Cross Functional Team (CFT) was established in 2022 using the authority provided pursuant to section 911(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 111 note) to conduct AHI research. This program was redirected to synchronize research efforts in coordination with the CFT as mandated by the Department in a memo from the Secretary of Defense in 2022. Previously referred to as Havanna Syndrome or as an Unconventional Brain Injury, AHI is the term used to describe a group of sudden symptoms that occur after an unexplained sensory event or events that are not associated with a history of head trauma. Possible symptoms associated with an AHI event may include, but are not limited to: auditory symptoms, vestibular problems, cognitive decline, head pressure, headache, hearing changes, memory problems, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. AHI events have been reported by several Department of War (DOW) and Federal Agency personnel since 2016. This program supports the Department's research and development efforts to address causal mechanisms underlying AHI. The program focuses on independent validation of current bioeffects research and developing solutions for detection, protection, and mitigation to safeguard the DoW workforce against these threats. While mitigating AHI remains the highest priority, the program's strategy extends to address the broader threat of non-kinetic, anti-personnel capabilities.