The Pentagon formally rescinded its coronavirus vaccine mandate Tuesday, less than a month after Congress passed legislation calling for a cancelation of the requirement, Politico reports. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin circulated a memo that allows for commanders to limit certain rotations for unvaccinated service members where a rapidly spreading virus could cripple readiness, which common sense would lead one to believe would be our entire national defense force, but no, it does not because Republicans.
The Pentagon reports that more than 99% of active duty members of the Air Force, Marines, Navy and Space Force are vaccinated, with 98% of the Army vaccinated. About 7,800 soldiers were separated, voluntarily or involuntarily, from the military since the mandate was put in place in August 2021. An unspecified number of service members were allowed to skip the vaccination due to medical issues or religious exemptions.