Although we will be focusing on the medical aspects of the program, I would like to emphasize that this is not primarily a medical program. It is a line commanders' program to keep our deployed military personnel safe and prevent combat casualties. Building upon many lessons learned over the past several years and the Department's strong commitment to force health protection, the AVIP employs a very different and effective approach, incorporating a safe and efficacious vaccine, effective risk communication, extensive immunization tracking, strong command leadership with medical support. To date, I am pleased to tell you that 223,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have received Anthrax immunizations under this program. As identified by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, anthrax is a major threat to our troops.
Anthrax is the primary biological warfare threat faced by U.S. forces.
More than 10 countries, including Iraq, have or are suspected of developing this biological warfare capability. Anthrax is the biological weapon most likely to be encountered because it is highly lethal, easy to produce in large quantities, and relatively easy to develop as a weapon. Further, the nation expects military commanders to do all in their power and authority to employ prudent medical countermeasures in the face of biologic and chemical threats to preserve the safety and well-being of our service personnel as well as to assure a satisfactory completion of their military missions. The Total Force AVIP, a line-managed force health protection program, provides U.S. troops with a much needed measure of protection against a deadly threat. The Total Force AVIP involved a detailed, deliberative process that culminated in Secretary of Defense Cohen's decision to approve implementation of the program on May 18, 1998.