The Air Force has alerted its subordinate units to begin implementing the rejuvenated Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program within roughly four weeks, according to a Feb. 27 news release. The official word, in the form of an implementation message, went to major commands on Feb. 16. The Pentagon began ramping up mandatory AVIP last fall after a two-year voluntary phase while lawyers battled in federal court. The program is still limited to individuals serving in high threat areas—like Southwest Asia—for more than 15 days.
A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East are flying with fresh modifications as the Air Force looks to make the plane more versatile amid America’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and a tenuous ceasefire in the U.S. air war against Iran.