Pain-reliever removed from AAFES retailers

DALLAS Army & Air Force Exchange Service retailers are removing aspirin from their shelves per a Department of Defense mandate.

AAFES is removing the analgesic from its pain-reliever lineup in an effort to reduce blood loss in the event of an injury for those soldiers operating in combat zones.

According to the memorandum from the Assistant Secretary of Defense, aspirin in combat zones is to be controlled. Furthermore, the memo states that “there should be no over-the-counter access through AAFES outlets or other Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities.”

All personnel, military and civilian, deploying to a combat zone are advised to stop taking aspirin at least 10 days prior to departure, unless advised by their healthcare provider to continue use, AAFES stated.