According to U.S. Department of Defense Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (GEIS):
Emerging infectious diseases are a significant threat to global and U.S. national security.
As naturally occurring and bioterrorist infectious disease agents hold an increasing potential to destabilize international security, the spread of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing organisms threatens our ability to combat infections and is a health threat to all U.S. military personnel.
GEIS recommends implementing programs that identify effective prevention and control measures and "stimulate basic research and product development of new antimicrobial drugs and other products designed to prevent or control infectious diseases."
The military is concerned about multi-drug resistant bacteria and nosocomial infections at military bases, training facilities, hospitals (base, field and VA) and in close-confinement environments. DoD-sponsored programs are investigating a range of pathogens affecting the health of military personnel worldwide. In particular, concerns regarding indoor air quality (IAQ) result from the presence of pathogens and allergens in military facilities.