Army discharges another 24 soldiers for refusing the coronavirus vaccine
BY ROSE L. THAYER • STARS AND STRIPES • MARCH 24, 2022
The Army has now discharged 27 soldiers for refusing the order to receive the mandatory coronavirus vaccination, the service announced Thursday.
The Army announced last week that the first three soldiers were separated from the service for refusing the vaccine. In a weekly update about the vaccination status of the force, another 24 soldiers were listed has kicked out for refusing the vaccine.
The update also reported the vaccinated percentage of the roughly 486,000 active-duty soldiers rose from 96% to 97%.
The Army’s deadline to receive the vaccine passed more than three months ago, and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth ordered commanders on Jan. 31 to begin the process of involuntarily separating those who refused the shots.
Troops do have the option of requesting a permanent exemption for religious or medical reasons, and 4,228 temporary exemptions are in place as the process plays out.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-03-24/army-soldiers-coronavirus-vaccine-mandate-refusers-discharges-5466926.html
