As of Tuesday, at least 222 recruits at Lackland Air Force Base, part of Joint Base San Antonio, had been diagnosed with the flu and four had been hospitalized, the two people familiar with the matter told ABC News.
This marks a sharp increase from the 159 cases and two hospitalizations reported last week. The death of one recruit remains under investigation, though it is not yet clear whether it is tied to the outbreak, the sources said.
The outbreak is unfolding just two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the annual flu shot optional for troops, scrapping the military’s requirement for it, which dates to 1945, a move breaking with longstanding public health directives.
That is hilarious. Who knew that disease could cause problems for a military force?!
When has the flu ever debilitated a military? It’s just the flu, a minor and common disease. /s obviously
Fr though, so many people don’t seem to understand that a flu can kill an otherwise healthy young person or cause long term damage.
Cue millions of morons talking about their “immune systems”.
Aw, people 'bout to learn the inherent history of the military: army = roving disease factory
There was no way to know it would turn out this way
I know. It’s like of I hold up my pen and let it go, how could I know it would drop to the floor.
Gravity is just a theory, after all.
Ayyy that’s true. 😁
I wonder if there are any military history experts out there who can delve into the deeply hidden troves of information to decide whether controlling disease is important to a well-functioning military.
Next you’ll tell me professionals talk logistics.
Nah, only nerds think about logistics. Cool kids just rely on cheap human labor to move supplies around.
Hegseth is such a dumbass. Good thing Donvict saw him on the teevee. Only the best people.
