Career perspective: Ralph F. Goldman-military ergonomics

Abstract

Military Ergonomics is a name I made up when the Commander at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) told me 'The Surgeon General wants to give you a Research Division of your own.' I demurred, saying 'That would make me an Administrator, and I prefer research,' but the C.O. (who was a friend) insisted, saying that what I wanted had no impact on what the General wanted and I had to become the Director of either the Heat, Cold, Work, or Altitude Divisions. Thinking fast, I said 'I want the " Military Ergonomics Division" ', and when he asked 'What's that?' I said 'That's good- it means I can continue my studies on the effects of heat, cold, terrain, load carried, clothing, food, & water intake on troops.'. © 2013 Goldman; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.