The U.S. military on Tuesday announced deadlines for COVID-19 vaccines for all of its service members, threatening suspensions for those who do not have a pending exemption application and do not comply.
In a statement, the army announced that all active-duty troops must be fully vaccinated by December 15 and that the remaining members of the service – members of the National Guard and Reserve – have until 30 December. June 2022 to be fully vaccinated.
It comes after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced mandatory firing on August 9 and said in a memorandum on August 24 that all military departments must begin implementing full COVID-19 vaccination for all their members of the service. Prior to August 24, vaccines had been optional.
In its statement, the U.S. military said soldiers who reject the vaccine “will first be advised by their chain of command and their medical providers.” If they continue to challenge the mandate, there may be “administrative or non-judicial punishments: including the repair of duties or the exercise.”
Soldiers may request an exemption from receiving the vaccine “if they have a legitimate medical, religious, or administrative reason.” Those with pending exemption applications “will not be subject to adverse actions until the exemption is fully processed.”
“Commanders will request that a general officer reprimand memorandum be initiated for any soldier who refuses to be vaccinated and does not have a pending or approved exemption application. These warnings could end the professional career, “the statement said.
Soldiers who have survived a previous COVID-19 infection “are not automatically exempt from full vaccination and should consult their primary care managers.”
Meanwhile, soldiers who have questions about the safety, efficacy, and possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine “should discuss them with their health care provider,” the military statement says.
U.S. Army Surgeon General R. Scott Dingle said in a statement that full vaccination is “literally a matter of life and death for our soldiers, their families and the communities where we live.”
“The count of cases and deaths continue to be worrisome as the Delta variant spreads, making protection of the force through compulsory vaccination a health and preparedness priority for the entire army,” he said. add.
Other service offices have previously announced deadlines for their troops.
The United States Air Force announced on September 3 that all members of the active duty service must be fully vaccinated by November 2.
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps announced Sept. 1 and Nov. 28 and Dec. 28 deadlines for active duty members and reserve members, respectively.
A member of Congress, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Said earlier in July that some members of the U.S. military told him they would leave if the COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory.
Mimi Nguyen Ly is a reporter based in Australia. It covers world news by focusing on US news. Contact her at mimi.nl[at]epochtimes.com.