The military services are starting to make good on threats to remove service members who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Here’s the latest.
- The Marine Corps has assigned a “vaccine refusal” discharge code to 103 members it discharged for refusing to get the vaccine. (The Hill)
- Ninety-six percent of active duty Army personnel met the Dec. 15 deadline to be fully vaccinated. Another 2% are on the way with at least one shot. That leaves about 10,000 who are asking for a waiver or refusing the shot. The Army relieved six of those of duty this week, including two battalion commanders. (com)
- The Navy has started the process of separating sailors who refuse the vaccine. Those who missed the Nov. 15 deadline but come forward now can still get the shots. “While the vast majority of Navy service members have already received the vaccine, it remains in the interest of the Navy to encourage remaining Navy service members to become fully vaccinated as soon as possible and, at such time, consider them for retention,” personnel chief Vice Adm. John Nowell, said in a statement. (The Hill)
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Isaak Martinez