Phase III will include the remainder of the force, both Active and Reserve Component, and accessions. Like other immunizations that are required to prepare military personnel for deployment, the anthrax immunization is mandatory. Personnel will be required to have the anthrax immunization unless medically deferred. The authority to direct usage of medical countermeasures constitutes a lawful military order. Military commanders have the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their troops and to carry out their mission responsibilities.
Anthrax is a serious threat.
We have a safe and efficacious vaccine. To not use the vaccine constitutes a failure to protect our troops and a risk to carrying out military missions. Each Service has its own policy for how it will handle Service members who refuse a lawful military order to take the anthrax immunization. The anthrax vaccine has been licensed by the FDA since 1970 and has been recommended for veterinarians, laboratory workers, and livestock handlers in the US for more than 25 years. No long-term adverse effects have been reported.