Abstract

Effective shooting performance under stressful conditions is crucial for military personnel in combat scenarios. This study investigates the relationship between soldiers' shooting accuracy and their physiological stress response, examining how experience influences these outcomes. Participants included [describe participant demographics, e.g., military personnel from different branches and ranks]. They underwent simulated shooting tasks designed to induce acute physical stress, mimicking combat situations. Shooting performance was assessed through accuracy metrics (e.g., target hits, grouping), while physiological stress responses were measured using heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol levels, and subjective self-reports of perceived stress and readiness. Results indicated a significant correlation between shooting accuracy and physiological stress responses. Experienced soldiers demonstrated superior shooting performance under stress, characterized by higher accuracy and faster target acquisition times compared to less experienced counterparts. Physiologically, experienced soldiers exhibited more adaptive stress responses, including greater HRV coherence and quicker cortisol recovery post-task.

Subjective reports revealed that experienced soldiers perceived stress as more manageable and reported higher levels of readiness compared to less experienced soldiers. These findings suggest that experience plays a critical role in modulating both cognitive and physiological responses to stress during shooting tasks. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing training programs and enhancing soldier performance in high-stress environments. Tailored interventions aimed at improving stress resilience and shooting proficiency among less experienced soldiers could potentially mitigate performance decrements under pressure. In conclusion, this study highlights the intricate relationship between shooting performance, physiological stress responses, and experience among military personnel. By integrating insights from both psychological and physiological domains, military training programs can better prepare soldiers to perform effectively and maintain operational readiness in challenging and demanding situations.