A majority of the Japanese public favors the US military presence on the island, according to an annual US Embassy poll. Stars and Stripes reports that 80 percent of respondents said they favor or somewhat favor maintaining the security alliance with the US, marking the fourth consecutive year that opinion has increased. The poll also showed that a Japanese majority believe the US military presence in East Asia is important and that US bases in Japan are important.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.