Ebola Expeditionary Team Begins Training

By Nick Simeone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2014 – A 30-member U.S. military team that could be called on to respond to new cases of Ebola in the United States has begun what is expected to be a week of specialized training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, a Pentagon spokesman said today.

Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters the training will include infection control and how to use the type of personal protective gear needed to respond to Ebola cases.

“While several members of this team are already trained in infectious disease protocols, they will all receive training on health protection measures specific to Ebola,” Warren said.

At the request of the Department of Health and Human Services, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered U.S. Northern Command to establish a military team that could respond quickly, effectively and safely in the event of new cases of Ebola in the country. The unit is composed of nurses, doctors and trainers who specialize in infectious diseases.

Once trained, the 30-member team will remain in a “prepare to deploy” status, Warren said, available to be sent to other locations within the continental United States as requested by the Department of Health and Human Services.

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