According to Pentagon health officials, the FDA has issued a “final order” that says the anthrax vaccine will prevent a person from getting anthrax whether the exposure method is inhalation or any other means. The Pentagon statement says DOD will “review program options” but continue voluntary vaccinations for the present. A court order in 2004 had placed a hold on the Pentagon’s mandatory program, pending a final ruling from the FDA. At the time, the FDA disputed that an earlier ruling was insufficient.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.