How to Respond to Host Nation Queries Concerning Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Cont)

depends upon our vigilance in not assigned unscreened or HIV antibody positive individuals to

overseas or deployable units. Thoroughness in this regard allows commanding officers to assure

host governments that our personnel are unlikely to introduce or spread AIDS.

PROCEDURES.

If requested to be specific with respect to the AIDS virus, the Commanding Officer may

give the following statement to the host country: "All U.S. Coast Guard personnel are

screened for serological evidence of HIV infection. Those with positive serological

evidence of HIV infection are medically retired from active duty; they are not assigned

to overseas duty or to duty aboard vessels."

Commanding Officers shall ensure that all their personnel have received the HIV

antibody test and that the date the test was taken is entered into their health records, in

accordance with reference (a). Test results need not be entered into their health record

and should not be entered into the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination (PHS-

731). Entry of date in this latter form, which is not currently required, might encourage

foreign nation health officials to expect HIV test results to be recorded there for all U.S.

citizens, whether military or civilian.

ACTION. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics

commands, Commander, Activities Europe and unit commanding officers shall comply with

procedures of this instruction.

/s/ R. R. BOCK

Acting Chief, Office of Health

and Safety