Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin pressed the military in a letter on Wednesday to release the findings of its investigation into the March 1 attack. Democratic lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the care that wounded troops received following an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that killed six U.S. soldiers early in the war.

Nearly 700 U.S. service members have been wounded by drone and missile attacks on bases in the Middle East and other fighting. Military officials state that the majority of American troops wounded in the Iran conflict have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Most wounded service members have experienced traumatic brain injuries and returned to duty, according to public statements from military officials.

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell stated last month that the vast majority of injuries over a two-week period were “minor concussions.” Defense Health Agency spokesman Peter Graves said in an email that “it is policy that service members are screened for TBI.”

“I spoke directly with Wisconsinites who sustained traumatic brain injuries from (President Donald) Trump’s war in Iran and went weeks without so much as a screening, let alone specialized care, for their injuries,” Baldwin said in a statement.

Troops have been facing a new type of warfare with Iran in which drones may explode closer to their heads, as opposed to ground-level roadside bombs and improvised explosives common in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Doctors are still learning how explosive blasts injure the brain versus a physical blow.

“The blast wave itself can be injurious,” said Dr. James Kelly, an emeritus professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and chief medical scientist at the Invisible Wounds Foundation. “It’s a different cellular injury. Blast is a different thing than a blunt injury to the head,” said Dr. James Kelly.

Concussions are often termed “mild” traumatic brain injuries, and many people recover within weeks. Some individuals with seemingly mild initial symptoms experience problems persisting for months or years, such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulties with memory or attention. Doctors have no way to predict who will suffer lasting problems from traumatic brain injuries.

There is medical debate over whether to retire the term “mild TBI.” Repeated blows to the head are known to increase the chances of lasting problems, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Chronic traumatic encephalopathy has gained attention for links to deaths in the National Football League and other sports.

Experts say the military has made strides in screening and treating TBIs, a signature injury in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 500,000 service members were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2000 and 2025. Not all traumatic brain injury cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2025 were related to combat.

Advocates say traumatic brain injuries could still be undercounted because symptoms often overlap with post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. Eighty-two percent of traumatic brain injury cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2025 were considered mild.

The scale of recent injuries shows the evolving nature of conflict in the region, where drone technology presents distinct medical challenges compared to previous engagements. The call for transparency regarding the March 1 investigation reflects concerns about whether current screening protocols adequately address the specific mechanisms of blast-related brain trauma.

Historical data shows that while the majority of diagnosed cases are classified as mild, the long-term effects remain unpredictable and potentially severe. The intersection of military policy, medical understanding, and legislative oversight determines how service members are protected during and after exposure to these unique combat hazards.

Why It Matters

Nearly 700 service members have sustained wounds, primarily traumatic brain injuries, from drone attacks that differ medically from previous ground-level explosives. While most cases are classified as mild and troops often return to duty, doctors cannot predict which individuals will suffer lasting symptoms like memory loss or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This uncertainty complicates military screening policies, especially as medical experts note that repeated head blows increase the risk of severe long-term conditions.