Wednesday’s announcement by the Army indicated that it will immediately begin to discharge soldiers who refuse to receive the COVID-19 mandatory vaccine. This puts more than 3,300 service personnel at risk of being fired.
The Army’s announcement is the last military service to announce its policy on vaccine refusals. For refusing to take the shots, the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy have already disqualified active-duty troops. The Army has so far not released any.
The Army released data last week that showed more than 3300 soldiers refused the vaccine. According to the Army, more than 3,000 soldiers were issued written reprimands. This suggests that they have already been identified and could be the first to be dismissed.
All active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service personnel have been ordered to receive the vaccine by the Pentagon. This is because it is vital to the safety and readiness of the force. Due to the omicron variant, COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in the United States.
Nearly 97% have received at least one shot. Over 3,000 soldiers have asked for medical or religious exemptions.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth gave the directive Wednesday directing commanders to initiate involuntary separation proceedings against anyone who has refused to take the shots or does not have an approved exemption.
She stated that “Army readiness is dependent on soldiers who can train, deploy and fight in our nation’s conflicts.” Unvaccinated soldiers pose a risk to the force, and can jeopardize readiness. Involuntary separation proceedings will be initiated for Soldiers who refuse to receive the vaccine and are not waiting for a final decision.
This order covers active-duty soldiers and reserves on active duty as well as cadets at West Point’s Military Academy, prepatory school, and ROTC.
The order stated that soldiers would be dismissed for misconduct and also noted that anyone who is eligible to retire before July 1st may do so.
As of last week, almost 600 Marines, Airmen, and Sailors were either expelled from the military or removed from entry-level training at boot camp.
Military services are currently going through a process to handle those who refuse to receive the vaccine, as well as those who ask for religious, administrative or medical exemptions. Counseling with chaplains and medical personnel is required as part of the reviews.