Pentagon to replace ANAM with next-generation cognitive test for troops

Published Jul 22, 07:03 PM UTC

The U.S. Defense Department is replacing its decades-old Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) test with a new, modernized cognitive monitoring capability to better detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and protect service members' brain health. The transition, ordered by a June 9 Pentagon memorandum signed by Under Secretary Anthony Tata, will be implemented in phases over one year. The new system aims to provide timely, actionable data for commanders and medical providers, reflecting advances in neurocognitive science and operational demands. ANAM, mandated by Congress in 2008, was developed in 1984 and used for pre-deployment baselines and post-injury assessments. TBIs have affected over 500,000 service members since 2000, with many cases linked to blast exposures in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon official confirmed the memo's authenticity, noting the new capability will be enterprise-wide and scalable.