Despite a growing number of measles cases being reported throughout the U.S., the armed forces has managed to only have three cases of the illness since 2008. According to Military Times, strict immunization rules implemented by the Defense Department are responsible for maintaining this health standard.
Current guidelines indicate that both recruits and active-duty soldiers must be vaccinated with any immunizations recommended by the Human Services Department's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Servicemembers must either provide proof of immunization or undergo blood tests before arriving at basic training. Military Times explained that while there are medical exemptions, soldiers must have their reason reviewed by a verified physician in order to qualify for this exception.
If soldiers would like to argue religious exemption from immunizations, they need to present their case in front of a board comprised of chaplains, medical doctors and armed forces commanders. While every branch has slight discrepancies in their policies, it is typically a difficult process for servicemembers to gain – and keep – exemption.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained that the current outbreak of measles in the U.S. has spread largely due to a growing population of unvaccinated people. The outbreak started at Disneyland in California, and there have been cases reported in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Nebraska.