Unvaccinated Service Members Will Be Discharged from the U.S. Army

U.S. soldiers who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will be immediately discharged from service, the U.S. Army has announced, stating that this measure is crucial for maintaining combat readiness, according to theguardian.com.

The military order applies to regular army soldiers, active reservists, and cadets. The overwhelming majority of military personnel have accepted at least one dose. Approximately 79 service members have died from the new coronavirus across various branches.

“The Army's readiness depends on soldiers who are prepared to train, fight, and win our nation's wars,” said Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. “Unvaccinated soldiers pose a risk to the force and jeopardize combat readiness.”

Other branches of the U.S. armed forces, including the U.S. Air Force, have already begun discharging individuals who prefer not to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which was first authorized for emergency use in December 2020.