In a statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, the Department of Defense has announced that all service members will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine moving forward, lest face repercussions and consequences.
Nearly 98% of the active-duty force has received a vaccination, and this mandate requires all reserve component members must receive shots, as well — including the National Guard.
Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said Tuesday that this is a lawful order and a valid military requirement to get the vaccine.
Unless there is an approved exemption (which is unlikely), National Guardsmen who refuse to get the shots could see reduced pay or loss of the ability to train. Those who persist in disobedience could face discharge.
Air National Guard personnel have until the end of the year to get the vaccinations. Army Guardsmen have until June 2022.
COVID-19 continues to pervade the U.S. population, and those without vaccinations are at the greatest risk. The omicron variant has been ruled more contagious than previous versions, and hospitals in the country are filling. The White House has announced a plan to deploy 1,000 military health care professionals to hardest-hit areas in the coming days.
DOD officials are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as state and local officials, to identify the right locations and the hospitals for these service members.
