029 - Performance Enhancement in the Military: Balancing Benefits and Risks
Pharmacological Edge? Why Pills Can’t Replace Performance
From “brave pills” to blood doping—here’s what 70+ years of Army research has taught us.
The idea of pharmacologically enhancing soldier performance has fascinated militaries for decades. From WWII amphetamines to testosterone injections to erythropoietin infusions, the U.S. Army has tested it all.
But the verdict is clear:
No pill replaces well-trained, well-rested, well-fed soldiers.
This review digs deep into the Army’s long history of experimenting with stimulants, anabolic steroids, and blood-boosting strategies—and where they fall short.
Key Takeaways
1. Stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, modafinil, caffeine)
Effective at sustaining wakefulness, not improving skills
Risk: Restored risk-taking behavior, possibly impaired judgment
Bottom line: Can keep you awake, but not sharp
2. Anabolic Hormones (e.g., testosterone)
Minor increases in lean mass and upper body strength
Behavioral risks (e.g., aggression, mood swings) outweigh gains
Training + nutrition = same or better results—without the legal baggage
3. Blood Doping / EPO
Increases oxygen capacity and VO₂max temporarily
Side effects: thicker blood, unknown cardiovascular risks
No consistent benefit at altitude, where soldiers often operate
The Real Problem
Pharmacological solutions often try to force humans to meet mismatched equipment or tactical demands, instead of designing gear and protocols that respect human limits.
Tactical Applications
Prioritize Sleep Over Stimulants
There is no true replacement for restorative sleep, even with modafinil or amphetamine
Build the Base First
Want better performance? Start with task-specific training, effective recovery, and strategic fueling
Rethink "Enhancement"
Instead of hacking biology, design smarter systems—gear that works with the soldier, not against them
Stay Thick.
Friedl KE. U.S. Army Research on Pharmacological Enhancement of Soldier Performance: Stimulants, Anabolic Hormones, and Blood Doping. J Strength Cond Res. 2015;29 Suppl 11:S71-S76. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001027