It seems like the Pentagon is dragging its feet in responding to the House Armed Services Committee’s questions on the effects the COVID-19 vaccine mandate had on service members. This is totally unacceptable and a huge violation of our service members’ rights.
The National Defense Authorization Act for the 2023 fiscal year, which was passed on Dec. 23, included a requirement to rescind the mandate, and this led to the discharge of more than 8,400 service members. Then, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo on Jan. 10 that rescinded the mandate, but still allowed commanders to consider an individual’s immunization status when making operational decisions.
The House Armed Services Committee responded by sending a letter of inquiry to Austin demanding answers by Feb. 22 on questions ranging from whether any service members had been reinstated to if there is a plan for reinstating those who were unjustly discharged due to the vaccine mandate. However, the Biden Administration and the Pentagon have been silent on the matter.
“We write to express our concern over the lack of clarity provided to the Armed Forces and to the American people related to your memorandum announcing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) rescission of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. While we acknowledge and appreciate your rescission memorandum writ large, many questions remain and have gone unanswered regarding the implementation of the rescission. ”
It’s time for the Pentagon to stop stalling and start providing answers. Vaccines are a personal choice, and service members shouldn’t be forced to take one against their will. This is a major violation of their rights, and it’s totally unacceptable. The Department and the Administration must do better and provide a plan for reinstating those service members who were wrongfully discharged.
This issue needs to be addressed, and the House Armed Services Committee shouldn’t stop pushing for answers. Our service members deserve to be treated with respect and to have the freedom to make their own decisions on whether or not to take the vaccine. The Pentagon must provide a plan for reinstating service members who were unjustly discharged due to the vaccine mandate.