Flu outbreak sickens 160 trainees at Lackland Air Base

An influenza outbreak has sickened nearly 160 Air Force trainees at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, marking the first major test of a new Pentagon policy that made the annual flu vaccine voluntary. The outbreak, which began in recent weeks, has led to hospitalizations and the death of one trainee, reigniting a debate over military readiness and personal medical choice.

Approximately 160 recruits at the base’s Basic Military Training wing have contracted the flu. The virus spread rapidly in the training environment, where recruits live and eat in close quarters. At least two trainees have been hospitalized. One recruit, Keon McDaniel, died after becoming ill during his sixth week of training and being transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center. Officials have not confirmed if his death was linked to the flu, and a medical investigation is underway.

The outbreak occurred less than two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ended the military’s mandatory flu vaccination policy on April 21. He framed the decision as a matter of personal liberty and religious freedom, criticizing the previous administration's approach. Following the policy change, vaccination rates among...