Army to begin disciplinary procedures against unvaccinated service members ahead of mandate deadline

U.S. Army service members who refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will soon face major repercussions for their noncompliance with the military branch's vaccine mandate.

Soldiers will be barred from "reenlistment, reassignment, promotion, appearance before a semi-centralized promotion board, issuance of awards and decorations,” and other policies, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said in a memo this week. 

Those who continue to refuse vaccinate will ultimately face discharge from the Army. The U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps have implemented similar policies. 

The Army is offering a limited number of exemptions from the mandate by which soldiers can avoid repercussions and dismissal.