Editing Military Exposure Overview (section)

== U.S. Army: What Are the Primary Exposure Sources? ==

While the Army has the lowest overall SMR (0.45) among military branches, [https://mesothelioma.net/army-veterans-asbestos-exposure/ individual soldiers in certain occupations faced substantial risk]. The Army's ground-based operations resulted in different exposure patterns than naval service, but asbestos was still pervasive in vehicles, buildings, and equipment.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/u-s-army-bases-and-asbestos-exposure/ Army Bases and Asbestos Exposure], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

=== High-Risk Army Occupations ===

Unlike the Navy, the VA has '''not created official MOS exposure classifications''' for Army veterans. However, these occupations carry documented elevated risk:

* '''91B''' - Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (brake pads, clutches, gaskets)
* '''12B''' - Combat Engineer (demolition, construction)
* '''88M''' - Motor Transport Operator
* Construction engineers and carpenters
* HVAC technicians
* Boiler technicians
* Aircraft mechanics

=== Army Bases with Documented Asbestos Contamination ===

Multiple Army installations have documented asbestos contamination requiring ongoing remediation:<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/veteran-mesothelioma/veterans-mesothelioma-what-you-need-to-know/ Veterans & Mesothelioma: What You Need to Know], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:1em 0;"
|-
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Installation
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Status
! style="background:#1a5276; color:white; padding:10px;" | Notable Facts
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Fort Bragg, NC
| style="padding:10px;" | Active remediation
| style="padding:10px;" | 1,200 soldiers relocated from asbestos barracks (2022)
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Fort Lewis, WA
| style="padding:10px;" | EPA Superfund Site
| style="padding:10px;" | 100+ structures with asbestos as of 2019
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Fort Hood, TX
| style="padding:10px;" | Completed demolition
| style="padding:10px;" | 150+ WWII-era buildings demolished (2012)
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Fort Benning, GA
| style="padding:10px;" | Ongoing monitoring
| style="padding:10px;" | Extensive WWII-era construction
|-
| style="padding:10px;" | Fort Sill, OK
| style="padding:10px;" | Active management
| style="padding:10px;" | Certified asbestos inspectors on staff
|}

=== Army Vehicles with Asbestos ===

All military vehicles manufactured before the early 1980s contained asbestos in brake pads, clutches, gaskets, heating systems, and engine components. Documented vehicles include:

* '''M48/M60 Patton tanks''' - Engine and exhaust manifold insulation, transmission and brake linings
* '''M1 Abrams''' (early versions) - Various heat-resistant components
* '''M113 Armored Personnel Carriers'''
* '''M109 Self-Propelled Howitzers'''
* Jeeps, trucks, ambulances, and buses

[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma/veteran-mesothelioma/veterans-mesothelioma-claims-need-to-know/ Vehicle mechanics who performed brake and clutch work] faced particularly high exposure as these repairs released concentrated asbestos fibers directly into the breathing zone.