Air Force Global Strike Command to Host Missile Community Cancer Study Town Hall

The Air Force Global Strike Command continues its partnership with the Missile Community Cancer Study, a comprehensive investigation into potential health risks associated with service in the missile community, alongside the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. Air Force Global Strike Command reported that researchers are examining the discontinued practice of burning classified materials in launch control centers as part of the ongoing investigation.

Burn Tests Analyze Emissions for Health Risk Assessment

The 711th Human Performance Wing has been carrying out thorough burn tests to measure the resulting emissions in order to tackle issues connected to the historical disposal procedure. Town hall participants provided input that helped broaden the burn study’s focus, which now incorporates extra materials into the testing process. Air Force Global Strike Command reported that emissions from this controlled test are being carefully measured and evaluated to inform a comprehensive health risk assessment expected to be completed and released later this year.

Phase 2 Epidemiologic Analysis Scope

Phase 2 of the epidemiologic study expands its scope by using state and territorial cancer registry data. Researchers are now evaluating hundreds of thousands of de-identified cancer cases and comparison groups in this current phase, enabling them to measure occurrence rates within the missile community against both the broader U.S. population and the rest of the Department of the Air Force. Col. Gregory Coleman, AFGSC command surgeon, stated that the larger and more diverse dataset strengthens the scientific rigor of the study and improves the ability to identify subtle health risks.

Air Force Leaders Share Study Results and Records

During a virtual town hall held on March 27, 2026, Air Force Global Strike Command and U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine leaders provided results from the initial epidemiological study and the initial burn study. Service members gained the ability to view their Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record using their Common Access Card, as announced by officials. Air Force Global Strike Command provided an overview of the Missile Community Cancer Study and its current progress during briefings to Congress on Sept. 11.

Upcoming Town Hall Schedule

Air Force Global Strike Command plans to host its next virtual town hall on Oct. 16, 2026, with the presentation beginning at 1 p.m. CDT. The meeting is projected to cover several subjects, such as the final epidemiology review report findings, the final burn study report findings, and progress updates on other active initiatives like polychlorinated biphenyl mitigation. Current and former service members, family members, and other stakeholders can join the event online using Room ID 984 4868 3696 and Passcode 243396. Questions can be submitted prior to the start of the town hall by emailing afgsc.paworkflow@us.af.mil.

We are committed to understanding the risks our Airmen face and taking action based on the study’s findings. Investing in the occupational health of our missile community is not just a responsibility, it’s an imperative for ensuring they are prepared to defend our nation in an increasingly complex world.

Gen. Thomas Bussiere, AFGSC commander