Nearly 40,000 Army National Guard personnel who refused to take the experimental COVID vaccine after the deadline will be barred from participating in federal training and may face financial fines or possible expulsion.
Thursday was the last day for members of the Army National Guard to submit their vaccination forms.
“Beginning July 1, 2022, members of the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve who have refused the lawful DOD COVID-19 vaccination order without an approved or pending exemption may not participate in federally funded drills and training and will not receive pay or retirement credit,” Army said in a statement.
According to authorities from the National Guard who spoke with CBS News, 14,000 of the more than 40,000 members of the Guard who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 have said that they have no plans to obtain the vaccination in the future.
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Soldiers who remain unvaccinated will miss weekend drills and lose their competency, which might lead to dismissal.
“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. In the future, Soldiers who continue to refuse the vaccination order without an exemption may be subject to additional adverse administrative action, including separation,” Army said.
“As of June 30, The Army National Guard is at 89% vaccinated with one dose and 87% fully vaccinated. The Army Reserve is at 89% vaccinated with one dose and 88% fully vaccinated.”
According to NBC, no Army Guard or Army Reserve troops have been dishonorably discharged to date for refusing the shot.
Read the full news release here and below:
Maintaining readiness continues to be among the U.S. Army’s highest priorities. We are fully committed to ensuring all Soldiers are vaccinated against COVID-19, as directed by the Secretary of Defense in August 2021. Beginning July 1, 2022, members of the Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve who have refused the lawful DOD COVID-19 vaccination order without an approved or pending exemption may not participate in federally funded drills and training and will not receive pay or retirement credit.
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. In the future, Soldiers who continue to refuse the vaccination order without an exemption may be subject to additional adverse administrative action, including separation.
Unit commanders will be able to activate and pay Soldiers for limited administrative purposes, such as receiving the vaccine, processing their exemption requests, or conducting separation procedures. Soldiers will be paid and/or receive retirement credit for these service days.
Army policy affords every Soldier the opportunity to request an exemption, such as for medical or religious concerns. Officials review each request on an individual basis, including review by appropriate medical personnel or chaplains, public health and legal review, and recommendations from the Soldier’s commanders.
As of June 30, The Army National Guard is at 89% vaccinated with one dose and 87% fully vaccinated. The Army Reserve is at 89% vaccinated with one dose and 88% fully vaccinated.