By Tech. Sgt. Jake Richmond, DoD News, Defense Media Activity / Published October 29, 2014
Ramstein Airmen support Ebola fight, mitigate risks at home
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A 21-day monitoring period for U.S.
service members returning from areas affected by Ebola in West Africa provides
a margin of safety that troops and their families wanted, Defense Secretary
Chuck Hagel said here Oct. 29.
During an interview at the Washington Ideas Forum here,
Hagel said the policy he signed this morning was "discussed in great
detail by the communities, by the families of our military men and women,"
who very much wanted a "safety valve" in place.
The order implements a recommendation from the Joint Chiefs
of Staff to place all U.S. military service members returning from Operation
United Assistance into a 21-day controlled monitoring regimen. It applies to
all military services contributing personnel to the fight against Ebola at its
source, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement.
Review required within 45 days
Hagel's directive to the Joint Chiefs also stipulates that
they provide operational specifics for the program within 15 days and a review
of the new regimen within 45 days. The review will take into account what
officials learn and observe from the initial waves of personnel returning from
Operation United Assistance, and will result in a recommendation on whether the
controlled monitoring should continue, Kirby said.
"The secretary believes these initial steps are
prudent, given the large number of military personnel transiting from their
home base and West Africa and the unique logistical demands and impact this
deployment has on the force," the press secretary said. "The
secretary's highest priority is the safety and security of our men and women in
uniform and their families."
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