Air Force Vaccine Refusers Could Be Court-Martialed

October 22, 2021

The Air Force said this week that airmen and guardians who are not fully vaccinated by the Nov. 2 deadline will face disciplinary action including potential prosecution.

“Should a service member refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, commanders retain the full range of disciplinary options available to them under law and policy, some of which includes issuing administrative paperwork, imposing nonjudicial punishment, or referring court-martial charges,” the Air Force said in a statement.

Active duty members of the Air Force are required to be vaccinated by Nov 2. Reservists and Air National Guard members have until Dec. 2. To be considered fully vaccinated, a service member must wait two weeks after finishing the one- or two-shot regimen.

By the beginning of the week, about 93% of the Air Force was fully vaccinated, and about 96% had taken at least one dose, the service reported.

“To those yet to get vaccinated, the order is clear: You have a responsibility to take action now, protect our nation and those we love, or be held accountable for failing to do so,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.

Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ryan Mancuso

October 22, 2021

Recent News

Johnson Releases Text of Three Foreign Aid Bills, Sets Weekend Vote

Johnson Releases Text of Three Foreign Aid Bills, Sets Weekend Vote

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) Thursday rolled out a package of national security bills. One would provide funding to Ukraine, another to Israel and another to Indo-Pacific allies. A fourth bill includes other national security items, such as a potential TikTok...

Millions of Vets, Service Members May Lose Internet Subsidy

Millions of Vets, Service Members May Lose Internet Subsidy

A subsidy program that helps provide internet access to 23 million Americans – about half of them service members and veterans – is on track to run out of money at the end of the month, Military Times reported. The Affordable Connectivity Program began in the early...

DOD to Expand PFAS Cleanup Plans After EPA Issues Stricter Standards

DOD to Expand PFAS Cleanup Plans After EPA Issues Stricter Standards

DOD will expand its study of water systems on and near installations after new, stricter federal standards on PFAS were released last week, as Military.com reported. The Environmental Protection Agency “issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking...

Thursday: OLDCC Webinar on DCIP Proposal Process

Thursday: OLDCC Webinar on DCIP Proposal Process

The DOD Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is hosting a webinar April 18 at 3 p.m. Eastern time for community organizations considering submitting a proposal for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. OLDCC officials will discuss the proposal process...

PAST STORIES