Armed Forces Pest Management Board

The Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) recommends policy, provides guidance, and coordinates the exchange of information on all matters related to pest management throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). Vector borne disease, particularly malaria, resulted in far more casualties among US Forces in the South Pacific during World War II than combat operations. In response, the Army formed Mosquito Survey Units and the Navy formed Malaria Control Units (known as Skeeter Beaters). Their success resulted in the Services permanently establishing pest and vector surveillance and control capabilities and the establishment of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board.

The Armed Forces Pest Management Board ensures that environmentally sound, safe, and effective programs are in place to prevent pests and disease vectors from adversely affecting DoD operations.

The Council supports the AFPMB by making recommendations to the Director and assisting in coordinating activities across the DoD as part of the DoD Pest Management Program. The Council is composed of two members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as one member from the Defense Logistics Agency. For each Service, one representative is from the medical community and the other is from the environmental community. The Council is supported by four standing committees, consisting of representatives of the Services and DoD agencies.

The AFPMB Policies and Procedures are a set of guidelines that describe the governing procedures, based on DoD and Service regulations, for the Council, Executive Committee and committees to conduct DoD pest management business in conjunction with the full time directorate staff. The policies and procedures are written in a standard format that outlines the purpose, organization and functions, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each key leadership representative on the directorate staff, Council, Executive Committee and committee. Clarification of those serving as voting members on Council, Executive Committee and committees are also specified in the policies and procedures.

For more information about the Board and how you may become involved, please contact us by
e-mail or call (301) 295-7476.