Can the Army make the Covid vaccine mandatory?

2021-08-16T11:07:33-04:00

There are talks of the vaccine being mandatory next month. What happens if a Soldier denies the shot?

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Aug 16 at 2021 11:09 AM

2021-08-16T11:09:48-04:00

UCMJ action likely for failure to follow a legal order. Eventual separation. We all got many, many vaccinations during basic training, what do you think would have happened if one of us said no?

"Commanders have several options for dealing with troops who refuse mandatory COVID-19 vaccines including issuing them a letter of reprimand or taking other administrative action; using nonjudicial punishment to push them to get vaccinated; referring troops to an administrative separation board for failure to obey an order; or even referring service members to courts-martial, as happened in the past when troops refused to get vaccinated for anthrax, Kuhn said."

https://taskandpurpose.com/news/military-troops-refuse-mandatory-covid-vaccines/

Here’s what will happen to US troops who refuse mandatory COVID-19 vaccines

'Some people will be court-martialed.'

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 11:11 AM

2021-08-16T11:11:37-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Search on "Can the Army make the Covid vaccine mandatory?" to find the other posts dealing with this Topic. FDA Approval of the Vaccines are expected by Labor Day. Is there a reason that you do not want the shot?

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/once-the-covid-19-vaccine-becomes-mandatory-within-the-military-what-type-of-separation-will-those-refusing-receive

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/when-will-covid-19-vaccines-receive-full-fda-approval/ar-AAN8VO0?ocid=uxbndlbing

Once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes mandatory within the military, what type of separation will...

This has been a topic a few of my coworkers and I have had, regarding COVID and the inevitable mandate for the vaccine within our ranks. While I understand the likelihood of the vaccine being mandatory currently, as an emergency approval, is unlikely... eventually that will not be the case and it will be mandated. What type of separation do you think those resisting will receive?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 16 at 2021 11:16 AM

2021-08-16T11:16:43-04:00

Yes they can. If you don't take a mandatory vaccination without a medical excusal, you will be processed for medical discharge. Saw it happen with plague shots in my time in service. Military is very "narrow minded" about this situation. I had the COVID shots. No adverse side effects. Take the shot unless you doctor tells you not to.

Response by MSgt Hamish Barrett made Aug 16 at 2021 11:25 AM

2021-08-16T11:25:20-04:00

DoD made the anthrax vaccine mandatory no matter how sick it made one.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 16 at 2021 11:48 AM

2021-08-16T11:48:46-04:00

Can the Military make specific vaccines mandatory? You already know the answer to this. I'm sure your shot card is full of mandatory vaccines you have received.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Aug 16 at 2021 12:31 PM

2021-08-16T12:31:28-04:00

If the vaccine is mandatory and the service member refuses, he or she would be ordered to take the show, and if he disobeys, they could be court-martialed for a violation of Article 90 or 92, UCMJ.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 1:03 PM

2021-08-16T13:03:52-04:00

At a minimum. Bar to re enlist, flag on medical, no positive action, no schools, no promotions.
And this is if coc is nice and you have short time left.
Take the shot, I did. Only side affects was my tongue forked and now I have an urge to vote democrat

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 1:05 PM

2021-08-16T13:05:36-04:00

SECDEF and his team of lawyers says yes

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 1:45 PM

2021-08-16T13:45:29-04:00

Yes, yes they can and they will .

What happens if your refuse a mandatory vaccine...well...Refer to AR 600-20, paragraph 5-4:

(2) Immunizations. Commanders will ensure that Soldiers are continually educated concerning the intent and rationale behind both routine and theater-specific or threat-specific military immunization requirements. Immunizations required by AR 40–562 or other legal directive may be given involuntarily (except as prescribed in para 5–6 or para P–3b regarding religious accommodation). The intent of this authorization is to protect the health and overall effectiveness of the command, as well as the health and medical readiness of the individual Soldier. In cases where involuntary immunization is being considered, the following procedures and limitations apply:
(a) Under normal circumstances, actions will not be taken to involuntarily immunize Soldiers. If a Soldier declines to be immunized the commander will—
1. Ensure that the Soldier understands the purpose of the vaccine.
2. Ensure that the Soldier has been advised of the possibility that the disease may be naturally present in a possible area of operation or may be used as a biological weapon against the United States and its allies.
3. Ensure that the Soldier is educated about the vaccine and has been able to discuss any objections with medical authorities.
4. Counsel the Soldier, in writing, that he or she is legally required to be immunized; that if the Soldier continues to refuse to be immunized that he or she will be legally ordered to do so, and that failure to obey the order may result in UCMJ and/or administrative action for failure to obey a lawful order (UCMJ, Art. 92) as deemed appropriate by the commander.
5. Order the Soldier to receive the immunization.
(b) If, after any of the steps listed in paragraph 5–4g(2)(a), a Soldier elects to be immunized, adverse action will not normally be taken based solely on the initial declination.
(c) When a GCMCA or the delegated representative determines that conditions of imminent threat exist (where the threat of naturally occurring disease or use of biological weapons is reasonably possible), Soldiers may be involuntarily immunized. Involuntary immunization(s) will not be ordered by a commander below the GCMCA unless authority to do so has been properly delegated by the GCMCA. Prior to ordering involuntary immunizations, all of the steps outlined in paragraph 5–4g(2)(a) should be followed and documented, situation permitting. In performing this duty, unit personnel will only use the amount of force necessary to assist medical personnel in administering the immunization.
(3) Isolation and quarantine. Isolation and quarantine for cases of suspected or proven communicable disease may be appropriate.
(4) Detention. Detention on closed wards may be required when needed to ensure proper medical supervision or to protect the Soldier or others from harmful acts.

Also: AR 40-652:, DoDI 6205.02 23 July 2019

As of right now, there aren't any exemptions until guidance from HQDA and CDC comes out is what I have heard.

In my guess, I'd say there may be a medical exemption but probably only for those who have had adverse reactions in the past to this or other vaccines or if allergic to the ingredients of it. I don't think there's going to be any religious exemption. I believe the Catholic church has said they won't have one. I haven't seen any other religions or denominations state that they will. Could be I suppose but that likely won't be easy to get either.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Aug 16 at 2021 2:59 PM

2021-08-16T14:59:21-04:00

Short answer yes...long answer HELL YES!!!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 16 at 2021 6:42 PM

2021-08-16T18:42:31-04:00

Disciplinary action followed by innoculation

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:53 PM

2021-08-16T20:53:04-04:00

Do you think all the other shots you got weren’t mandatory in your career.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 17 at 2021 9:25 AM

2021-08-17T09:25:51-04:00

get the shot, period