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.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.