The Army has determined that about 40,000 Army Guard members and 22,000 reservists can no longer participate in military duties because they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. That effectively cuts them off from pay and some benefits, as Military.com noted.

“Soldiers who refuse the vaccination order without an approved or pending exemption request are subject to adverse administrative actions, including flags, bars to service, and official reprimands,” according to a July 1 Army statement. “In the future, Soldiers who continue to refuse the vaccination order without an exemption may be subject to additional adverse administrative action, including separation.”

The deadline for Army National Guard members and Army reservists to get their vaccinations was June 30.

Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Annie Riley