The Overseas Basing Commission sent its final report to Congress and President Bush on Monday, reinforcing its May interim findings that the Pentagon did not adequately coordinate its plans to restructure US military assets abroad. The commissioners emphasized caution on reliance with “new allies” and the importance of formal treaties before realizing the permanence of alliances abroad. The report also questions the lack of adequate strategic and tactical lift capabilities, stating that pre-positioned stocks of capability need to be replenished in light of heavy wartime deployments, and the costs associated with reorganization. (Read the report in its entirety here.)
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.