Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military's COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
1. Purpose
This order rescinds the previous COVID-19 vaccination mandate for service members, addressing concerns about its fairness and necessity while outlining the repercussions for affected personnel.
2. Key Actions And Directives
- Mandate Rescinded: Effective January 10, 2023, the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all service members is rescinded.
- Reinstatement for Discharged Personnel: Service members discharged solely for refusing the vaccine can request reinstatement with full back pay and benefits.
- Attestation for Voluntary Departure: Service members who voluntarily exited must provide a sworn written statement confirming their choice to leave rather than get vaccinated.
- Reporting Requirement for DoD and DHS: The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security must report implementation progress to the President within 60 days.
3. Important Points
- Concerns About Mandate: The mandate was criticized as an unfair and excessive burden on service members.
- Severability Clause: If any part of this order is invalidated, the remaining provisions and applications will still stand.
- No Enforceable Rights Created: The order explicitly states it does not create enforceable rights or benefits against the United States.
- Disciplinary Actions Remain Unaffected: The order does not alter the ability to take disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
- Implementation Subject to Funding: The order will be executed in accordance with applicable laws and subject to available appropriations.
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