What is Army regulation AR 70-25 about?
AR 70-25 is the official Army regulation that governs the use of volunteers as subjects of research.

Why is this regulation important?
This regulation ensures that all research involving volunteers in the Army is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, protecting the rights and welfare of the participants.

Who does AR 70-25 apply to?
This regulation applies to all Army personnel who plan, conduct, or support research involving volunteers or the use of personal information obtained from volunteers.

What is the purpose of using volunteers as research subjects?
The purpose of using volunteers as research subjects is to acquire valuable data and information that can contribute to the development and improvement of Army programs, policies, and initiatives.

Who can be considered as a potential volunteer subject?
Any member of the Army community, including soldiers, civilians, contractors, family members, or others, can be considered as potential volunteer subjects.

What are the requirements for using volunteers as research subjects?
The requirements include obtaining informed consent from each volunteer, ensuring the research has institutional review board (IRB) approval, maintaining confidentiality of personal information, and providing appropriate safeguards for volunteers' health and welfare.

How is the confidentiality of volunteers' personal information protected?
Confidentiality is protected by ensuring that personal information is collected, stored, and transmitted in accordance with privacy laws and regulations. Access to personal information should be restricted to authorized personnel only.

What is the role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research involving volunteers?
The IRB is responsible for reviewing and approving all research protocols involving volunteers to ensure that ethical principles and regulatory requirements are met. They also provide guidance and oversight throughout the research process.

What should researchers do if they encounter ethical concerns or risks to volunteers during a study?
Researchers should immediately report any ethical concerns or risks to the appropriate chain of command, the IRB, or the Army Medical Department Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) for further investigation and resolution.