Flu Outbreak Hits Military Trainees

Over 160 troops at Lackland Air Force Base are sick with the flu, sparking renewed debate over the Pentagon’s recent move to make flu shots optional — a policy shift championed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a step toward medical autonomy and religious freedom. Critics, including lawmakers, argue the decision endangered service members’ health, especially as a trainee died during basic training, with an investigation underway. The Air Force is isolating the sick and administering antivirals while defending its commitment to troop readiness amid growing tensions over vaccine mandates. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/63132276544492cf