The US military is facing a growing mutiny among its ranks as servicemen refuse to take an anthrax vaccine they believe could damage their health.
Access to the Internet is fuelling growing fears over the anthrax shots, with about 200 servicemen disciplined or discharged for refusing it.
Although 219,000 men have received the vaccine, the Pentagon is concerned at the effect the row could have on force readiness.
At a California air force base, 11 of 40 reserve pilots are out of action after refusing the vaccine, just as the unit is about to be posted for duty in the Gulf.
At the Connecticut Air National Guard, a quarter of the squadron left the service rather than submit to being vaccinated.
A group of 23 sailors on an aircraft carrier, the Theodore Roosevelt, which is also about to leave for the Gulf, has refused the shots.
About 25 Marines based in Okinawa, Japan, have also refused to be vaccinated.