Elite Navy special warfare boat crews may be returning to duty with undiagnosed brain injuries, Pentagon watchdog warns

There are gaps in reporting, screening, and follow-up evaluations, the report said, that may be allowing service members to return to duty with traumatic brain injuries. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bill Carlisle A Pentagon watchdog says screening breakdowns may be sending operators back to duty with brain injuries. Crew members don't always report symptoms and skip follow-up appointments. Traumatic brain injuries can cause degraded operational decision-making, among other problems. A Pentagon watchdog warns in a new report that some of the US Navy's elite special warfare boat crews may be returning to dangerous missions and activities with undiagnosed brain injuries due to breakdowns in reporting, screening, and follow-ups. Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen , SWCCs, are an elite special operations force. Aboard fast boats, they support and execute combat missions, such as transporting other special operators, interdicting vessels, and conducting reconnaissance at sea.