New guidance from the U.S. Marines has said that Marines who don’t get the COVID-19 vaccine face separation.
A Marine Administrative Message (MARADMIN) was posted to the Marine Corps’ website over the weekend, saying that “Marines on refusing the COVID-19 vaccination, absent an approved administrative or medical exemption, religious accommodation, or pending appeal shall be processed for administrative separation [in accordance with] this MARADMIN and supporting references.”
“General Court-Martial Convening Authorities (GCMCA) retain authority to take any additional adverse administrative or disciplinary action they deem appropriate,” said the message, which was signed Oct. 23. It applies to both active-duty and reservists.
An order handed down by the Department of Defense several months ago stipulates that active-duty Marines face a Nov. 28 deadline to get fully vaccinated, while reservists face a Dec. 28 deadline to do the same.
According to the MARADMIN message, a Marine is deemed to have “refused the vaccine” if they cannot obtain a medical or administrative exemption, or a religious exemption—or if they have “willfully disobeyed a lawful order from a superior commissioned officer to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Marines who are kicked out for refusing the vaccine cannot be eligible for involuntary separation pay and will potentially face “recoupment of any unearned special or incentive pays and advance educational assistance,” according to the message.
The Marine Corps, in its most recent update, reported that 83 percent are fully vaccinated, and 92 percent are partially vaccinated. The Navy has said that 93 percent of active-duty sailors are inoculated, while 98 percent have gotten at least one dose.
Some Republican lawmakers raised concerns that the Pentagon’s vaccine mandate for service members would hurt morale or force many to leave, potentially triggering a national security issue.