Does the National Guard have to follow Pentagon orders? Sometimes.
By Meghann Myers
Mar 7, 05:00 AM
The head of the Oklahoma National Guard told his troops in November that ― per an order from Gov. Kevin Stitt ― units under his jurisdiction would not enforce a mandate from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Defense Department’s response has been incredulous. The mandate’s a direct, lawful order, multiple senior leaders said.
In addition, the president has the authority to give state-status Guardsmen governing orders, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told Military Times on Feb. 16. That includes vaccine compliance.
“Failure by a member to comply with deadlines and requirements can lead to prohibition on participation in drills, training, and other duty conducted under title 32 and will jeopardize the member’s status in the National Guard,” he added.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/03/07/does-the-national-guard-have-to-follow-pentagon-orders-sometimes/
