We've been working on and implementing training and policy guidance to make sure we're prepared globally. We have to ensure we have the surveillance in place, installation preparedness, global understanding and a stockpile of necessary components to mount an effective medical response. It's an enormous task.

Along with the overreaching department plan, each combatant commander must have a plan in place to address pandemic influenza, a potentially very infectious disease. Some people may be sick for a while, and the commanders have to project how this could affect their ability to perform the mission.

For us, it's making sure the capabilities we have in each service are interchangeable, so, for instance, any service's medic can operate the same equipment. We don't want to have to learn new equipment when time is of the essence. Through joint training, standardization and combining and making efficiencies where we can, we can ensure top quality care anytime and anywhere.

It's amazing; we have the lowest (rate of) disease (and) non-battle injuries of any war. I go to the doctor more than that.

It's a team effort. The DoD has a unique set of assets that, when needed, could be used to support the national response.

I think it'll help hopefully generate some response and interest. If that's what it takes, then, obviously it's a good thing.