Marine Corps Discharges 206 Troops Over Refusing Vaccine

The United States Marine Corps discharged 206 troops on Tuesday for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new report from Politico. This is an increase from the previous week, where the number of discharges totaled 169.

Due to guidelines in the National Defense Authorization Act, which President Biden signed into law on Monday, the discharges must be either honorable or general under honorable conditions. Despite the discharges, the overwhelming majority of Armed Forces personnel are vaccinated.

Politico's report states that 95% of Marines have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 86% of Reserves have also received at least one shot.

95% of the Air Force, 98% of the Army and 99% of the Navy have also received at least one shot.

“Vaccinating our Soldiers against COVID-19 is first and foremost about Army readiness,” said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, who thanked the vaccinated soldiers for putting the health and welfare of their fellow military members and family first.

“The only thing I would say is what I've said before — the vaccine is a valid military readiness requirement. It remains such,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The Pentagon chief has allowed each branch to set its own deadline for compliance with most falling in November and December. The Pentagon has made it loud and clear that separation from the military to be the ultimate punishment for those who refuse to get vaccinated.

The move has received pushback from Republican governors such as Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, and Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts who sent a letter to Austin saying such a punishment is “beyond your constitutional and statutory authority.”

Despite the pushback, Pentagon officials hope the threat of being discharged is enough for those reluctant to get the vaccine to ultimately get vaccinated.