WASHINGTON (AP) – 98% of the U.S. Army active force has received at least one dose of the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine by the deadline for injecting, service officials reported Thursday, adding that more of 3,800 soldiers flatly refused and could begin to be discharged next month.
However, the largest service in the US military reported the lowest number of members applying for a religious belief exemption – just over 1,700 soldiers – compared to the other three smaller forces. In comparison, there were more than 4,700 elements in the Air Force, 3,000 in the Marine Corps and 2,700 in the Navy who are requesting a religious exemption, according to data released by the service in the last week. None have been approved yet.
The Pentagon announced this year that the COVID-19 vaccine was mandatory for all members of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has repeatedly indicated that getting vaccinated is crucial to maintaining a healthy force ready to defend the nation. The Pentagon is also considering making a booster shot mandatory for members of the military.
The Army, which has more than 478,000 active duty soldiers, had the last vaccination term among military forces for its active troops on Wednesday. And it registered the second highest rate of those who have received at least one dose, 97.9%. The Navy leads this area with more than 98%, while the Air Force is at 97.5% and the Marine Corps is at 95%.
Procedures to begin discharging those who have refused to be vaccinated are scheduled to begin in January, giving soldiers a little more time to change their minds before being expelled.
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