US Marine shares six-step technique to boost memory in 'no time'

In the military, having a sharp memory is not just an asset – it's essential. Service members are often tasked with recalling intricate protocols, commands, and tactical data during stressful and ever-shifting scenarios.

Mastery of this information is crucial for the precise and effective execution of missions. Not only that, the stakes can be life or death.

That's why when a seasoned US Marine shared his personal strategies for enhancing memory retention, it garnered significant attention.

Clint Emerson, a veteran with more than two decades of experience, encouraged his audience to adopt a six-step method that has proven effective for him.

On his Instagram account, 100 Deadly Skills, Clint remarked: "Improving memory retention is a skill that can be developed with practice and a few helpful strategies. And before you know it, you'll be Jason Bourne..."  So here are his top pieces of advice...

1. Pay attention and be present

Clint emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to learning and mental sharpening. His advice is clear: "Eliminate distractions, stay focused, and be fully present in the moment."

2. Get organised

Beyond keeping your physical space tidy, mental organisation is also crucial. It enhances your ability to process thoughts in a "logical and structured manner".

Clint suggests: "Use techniques like creating outlines, mind maps, or diagrams to visually represent the information."

3. Break it down

Feeling swamped by the sheer volume of information can be daunting, but Clint advises breaking it down into "smaller, manageable pieces".

He elaborated: "This method called 'chunking' makes it easier for your brain to process and remember."

4. Use mnemonic devices

Recall the learning techniques from your school days, where rhymes and songs were instrumental in helping you retain information.

Clint shared: "Mnemonic devices are memory aids that help you remember information through associations or visualisations. Examples include acronyms, visual imagery, or creating rhymes or songs."

5. Use multi-sensory techniques

Simply reading off cue cards can become monotonous and ineffective over time.

To remedy this, Clint suggests using a multi-sensory approach. He continued: "Read aloud, listen to recordings, or create flashcards with visual cues. The more senses you involve, the more connections your brain can make with the information."

6. Practice active recall.

Believing you've mastered the material is one thing, but how well would you perform without those cue cards?

To truly gauge your knowledge retention, Clint recommends self-testing. He stated: "Test yourself with quizzes or try to explain the concepts to someone else. By actively retrieving information, you reinforce memory retention."

Clint's post has garnered more than 500 likes and plenty of comments since it was posted. It's clear many found the information useful, with one writing: "Awesome read."

Meanwhile, another said: "As a teacher we look for these changes in our students to know that learning has taken place. Love reading everything you post. It's great."