Senior Airman Rendall Powell of the 412th Test Wing receives a COVID-19 vaccination shot from Lt. Col. Yvonne Storey at the Airman and Family Readiness Center on Edwards Air Force Base in California in August. (Air Force photo by Katherine Franco
Seattle Times/Washington Post: Air Force is first military branch to face rejection of vaccine mandate as thousands avoid shots
Up to 12,000 Air Force personnel have rejected orders to get fully vaccinated against the coronavirus despite a Pentagon mandate and officials say it is too late for them to do so by Tuesday’s deadline, posing a first major test for military leaders whose August directive has been met with defiance among a segment of the force.
The vast majority of active-duty airmen, 96.4%, are at least partially vaccinated, according to data from the Air Force.
But officials have warned that, barring an approved medical or religious exemption, those who defy lawful orders to be fully immunized are subject to punishment, including possible dismissal from the service or they could be charged in the military justice system.
Read more ....
Update #1: Up to 12,000 Air Force personnel have rejected vaccine orders: report (The Hill)
Update #2: Thousands of Air Force troops set to reject vaccine mandate (FOX News)
WNU Editor: The expulsions have started .... Air Force Boots 40 Recruits for Refusing the COVID-19 Vaccine (Military.com).
The Pentagon is also saying that around 97% of active-duty members have taken at least one shot.
