The Pentagon has formally dropped its COVID-19 vaccination mandate, via legislation signed into law on December 23rd. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed a new memo that gives commanders some discretion in how or whether to deploy troops who are not vaccinated.
In the memo, Austin stated that the Department will continue to promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all service members. He noted that vaccination enhances operational readiness and protects the force.
Austin also said that commanders have the authority to maintain unit readiness and a healthy force. He noted that commanders have the authority to make decisions on how to best protect their troops and maintain readiness.
The Pentagon’s decision to drop the COVID-19 vaccination mandate is a step towards protecting service members and maintaining readiness. The Department will continue to promote and encourage vaccination for all service members, while giving commanders the authority to make decisions on how to best protect their troops and maintain readiness.
Key takeaways:
- The Pentagon has formally dropped its COVID-19 vaccination mandate.
- The Department will continue to promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all service members.
- Commanders have the authority to make decisions on how to best protect their troops and maintain readiness.
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