The Pentagon formally rescinded the Covid-19 vaccine mandates for the Armed Forces of the United States.
According to the memorandum, the Pentagon has formally ended the vaccine requirements across the U.S. military over a year after it was imposed.
On Tuesday night, Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) posted the official memo for Pentagon leaders on Twitter praising the said decision.
The Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised officials for their efforts in the memo to fight the Covid-19 virus throughout the pandemic crisis. Austin also went on to explain the rolling back of COVID protocols.
“Section 525 of the NDAA for FY 2023 requires me to rescind the mandate that members of the Armed Forces be vaccinated against COVID-19, issued in my August 24, 2021 memorandum, “Mandatory Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination of Department of Defense Service Members.” I hereby rescind the memorandum.” Austin declared.
Pentagon formally drops COVID-19 mandate. There is more to do here, but this is an important step.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) January 11, 2023
Thank you to all my colleagues who fought this terrible policy from day one and the powerful testimonies service members shared with us 🇺🇸#StandUpForAmerica pic.twitter.com/KzXDNUZtPp
In addition, the Pentagon also revoked the same mandate for members of the Ready and the National Guard.
Moreover, Austin then indicated in the memo that members of the Armed Forces who reportedly refused to get the vaccine will not be allowed to experience any “adverse actions” if they requested reprieve based on religious liberty.
“The Department will continue to promote and encourage Covid-19 vaccination for all service members. Vaccination enhances operational readiness and protects the force.” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in the memo.
Austin also claimed that the Pentagon’s vaccine efforts, “will leave a lasting legacy in the many lives we saved, the world-class force we have been able to field, and the high level of readiness we have maintained, amidst difficult public health conditions.”
Following Austin’s declaration, Texas Rep. Roy released an official statement, calling the move “an important step.” However, he emphasized that there is more to do.
“Pentagon formally drops COVID-19 mandate. There is more to do here, but this is an important step. Thank you to all my colleagues who fought this terrible policy from day one and the powerful testimonies service members shared with us.” Chip Roy said.
At the time of writing, those armed forces members who were previously dismissed for their refusals to take the vaccine will reportedly “have the right to have their records updated to strike any negative language or characterizations. It is not clear if any member of the Armed Forces unfairly dismissed will have a path to return to service,” Red State reported.
