If the pentagon didn’t mandate that all service members receive the COVID vaccine, would you have gotten it?

Brother, I fully support your decision. I was a Navy Airedale that had Missions that took me all over the world. I got juiced up and given pills a lot more than most Members get. I have not been sick at, baring the MRSA I had on my face, since early aught five. I just don't get sick. If I was still Active, I would have told them the "tank is full" and that I ain't taking no more. I don't live in fear that some 99% survivable rate illness is worth taking some experimental "trust us, it is safe" drug. Everyone remembers the bad anthrax and yellow fever vaccine reactions. One Shipmate was Discharged from the Navy Reserves for the medical problems caused be her anthrax vaccine interaction. I would have Respectfully refused to the point of Court Martial. Later on, the VA would use me as a guinea pig for some new drug that was just approved for human trials. I ended up dead 6 days later, having to be revived twice from arrested breathing and heartbeat.

I work in a hospital, and they require it, just like they require other vaccines. But even if they didn't, the data is overwhelmingly clear that it's safer to get vaccinated than to not get vaccinated.

I am 70 with a laundry list of health issues. That disqualifies me from addressing your specific situation and beliefs. All I can do is relate to you my personal experiences having received all three shots (so far). I received the Moderna vaccine, the first shot was as any flu shot symptoms would be. Sore arm for a few days with tolerable head ache . The second shot was easier on the arm but after a week I developed what is called orthostatic hypotension and had to be hospitalized for 5 days. This condition is described as low blood pressure . When you stand or sit up blood pressure drops dramatically . That renders you susceptible to falling and being light headed as well as exhausted to the point of being incapable of normal functioning . Like I said I have a laundry list of conditions which come with their own cocktails of meds. While in the hospital at the time there was a team of doctors including a doctor of pharmacology trying to figure out my symptoms. They failed to mail it to any specific medical reason . The only thing different in my routine was the Covid shots. I ended up being afflicted with low blood pressure for the following 3 months which meant I was bed ridden at home. I still have wild swing in blood pressure but about 5 days out of 7, I’m in the low range of normal and can function
Since getting the shots, I can tell you for me they did keep me from contracting the symptoms of Covid even after being exposed to it in close proximity twice. My granddaughter was positive with symptoms in September and again with positive symptoms within the last two weeks together with her mother and brother. They all live with me and none of them got the shots. So, for me the shots worked as intended.

I’m not young or in shape like you all are. And fully retired. The long recovery from the side effects didn’t impact anyone but me.

You have my story so decide for yourself based on your situation .

Vitamin D likely helps reduce the chance of getting not just the seasonal flu, but kung flu also.
"Vitamin D and Its Potential Benefit for the COVID-19 Pandemic"
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33744444/

For you chicken littles on the left that virtue signal with mask wearing...
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/24/health/cloth-mask-omicron-variant-wellness/index.html

"Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There's no place for them in light of Omicron," said CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, on CNN Newsroom Tuesday.

"New CDC COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines Still Up for Debate Among Experts"
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/965907
Seems the CDC is changing directions YET AGAIN. Are they really trustworthy?

Tons of heartbreaking negative side effects are due to the jab.
"The testimonies project the movie" is here on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4BpEr8gztU&t=5s

If the vaccine actually worked, would we have this headline?
U.S. Defense Secretary Austin tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVygmnr8Wb0

When I went to Vietnam in 65 we got 6 shots 3 in each arm at the same time. Nobody complained. And we got 2 more shots after we got over there. I don't understand why persons refuse to get the Vaccine. Its already proven to work. The Government is trying to keep people from dying. Whats so bad about that. My daughter works in a big hospital They are overwhelmed with covid 19 patients most of them have never been vaccinated. Another thing I don't think is right. is that people who refuse to get vaccinated will get an honorable discharge. That is wrong they are refusing a direct order. If you want to get out of the service early don't get the shots is what it amounts to. The persons who refuse to get vaccinated should get a General discharge. Disagree if you want but thats how I feel.

Yes, I have had vaccinations against many diseases during my childhood and adult life. When I was in grade school I remember getting vaccinated against Polio then many time later, including basic training, then every year annual boosters of one type or another. Besides, now at 80 I still get all the vaccinations that help me stay healthy.