Now that mandates are in full swing, the deadline for military compliance draws near and higher-ups are struggling to decide how to punish members who refuse to get the vaccine.
According to KDVR, as “the deadline looms for military and defense civilians to get mandated COVID-19 vaccines, senior leaders must now wrestle with the fate of those who flatly refuse the shots or are seeking exemptions, and how to make sure they are treated fairly and equally”.
“The vast majority of the active-duty force has received at least one shot, but tens of thousands have not. For some, it may be a career-ending decision. Others could face transfers, travel restrictions, limits on deployments, and requirements to repay bonuses.
Exemption decisions for medical, religious, and administrative reasons will be made by unit commanders around the world, on what the Pentagon says will be a “case-by-case” basis. That raises a vexing issue for military leaders who are pushing a vaccine mandate seen as critical to maintaining a healthy force, but want to avoid a haphazard, inconsistent approach with those who refuse.”
HotAir explained the type of punishments service members could face:
“Options for punishment are still being debated. Noncompliant troops may face restrictions on travel and assignment opportunities, reductions in pay and/or rank, or even forfeiture of previously awarded bonuses. In the most drastic scenarios, they could be put in the brig or dismissed from the service entirely.”
Both reports clarify that the deciding factors on vaccine exemptions will be decided by unit commanders all around the world. This means that some will allow exceptions while sticklers for the rules will likely demand 100% compliance. Which will leave some service members to decide between their bodies and personal choice or their military careers.
Just like the other stories we’ve talked about on here, the exception requirements do not seem to include people who already have natural immunity.
Erica Carlin is an independent journalist, opinion writer and contributor to several news and opinion sources. She is based in Georgia.