And for every person who reported an illness, another two or three are assumed to have symptoms but are afraid to report them, Lt. Richard J. Rovet, health-care integrator for the Dover Flight Medicine Clinic, testified July 21.

Rovet told the House Government Reform Committee's national security, veterans affairs and international relations subcommittee that symptoms ranged from dizziness and ringing in the ears to joint and muscle pain, fatigue, tingling, rashes and sensitivity to light.

One woman who did not know she was pregnant when she got the shots subsequently miscarried, he said.

Patients who reported illness and said they suspected the anthrax inoculations were viewed as "malingerers, whiners, liars and hypochondriacs," Rovet said in his prepared testimony. Some were told their symptoms could not have been caused by the shots, he said.

He said many service members are afraid their careers will be damaged if they complain of anthrax-related symptoms.

A medical "black mark" could eliminate them from flying or other duties, he said, possibly endangering future careers with airlines.

People confirmed to have adverse reactions to the vaccine are considered unqualified for worldwide duty, he added.