U.S. Army Adds Biowarfare Drills to Combat Training, Targets 2035 Readiness

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 13

A plan signed last week folds biological attack scenarios into routine Army combat exercises, shifting preparation from specialist biodefense units to commanders, logisticians and intelligence staff across the force.
2035 is the target for troops to operate in “biologically contested environments,” with the first two-year phase focused on policy, coordination and building specialized expertise before later technology and acquisition efforts.
AI and biotechnology are driving the change, Army officials said, because dual-use advances could help adversaries develop biological threats faster and force units to keep fighting through outbreaks rather than pause operations.
One training model simulates a norovirus outbreak at a military port, requiring medics to contain illness while logistics officers keep supplies moving; officials also want earlier warning from environmental, medical and intelligence data, including wastewater surveillance.
Russia remains a concern as U.S. officials assess whether Moscow still has an offensive bioweapons program, though the Army said its strategy is built on broad intelligence and lessons from COVID-19, accidents, deliberate attacks and misinformation.