Pentagon scraps Covid vaccine mandate that led to the discharge of more than 8,000 army personnel
Covid vaccine
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Tuesday rescinded the COVID-19 mandate bill that, as per the Pentagon, had led to the discharge of over 8,000 military personnel for refusal to comply. The move as per AFP is a requirement by the US congress as part of the 2023 defence spending bill. Scrapping the mandate, Austin in a memo wrote he was"deeply proud" of the Defense Department's efforts to combat the coronavirus adding that, "we have improved the health of our service members and the readiness of the force, and we have provided life-saving assistance to the American people."
He added that the department, however, would keep encouraging personnel to get vaccinated. Addressing commanders, the memo said they have "the responsibility and authority to preserve the department's compelling interests in mission accomplishment."
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As per AFP, the memo then expands on the said responsibilities and authority, adding that it "includes the ability to maintain military readiness, unit cohesions, good order and discipline, and the health and safety of a resilient joint force."
The thousands of army personnel who lost their jobs because of the mandate can also apply to have the characterisations of their discharge amended. However, the memo makes no mention of reinstatement.
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Republicans have pushed for the removal of the said mandate and have also sought reinstatement of those relieved from their duties. Republican Kevin McCarthy, who is now the speaker of the House, had even argued that the mandate affects recruiting.
However, Austin said that he has not been made privy to any "hard data that directly links the Covid mandate to an effect on our recruiting."
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, in a statement, said the mandate "appears to have very minimal impact on recruiting". She added that scrapping the mandate "would impact the readiness of the force."
(With inputs from agencies)
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