The Pentagon's top spokesperson on Monday defended the U.S. military's vaccine mandate, stating that National Guard members are required to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The comments came after the newly installed leader of the Oklahoma National Guard issued an updated COVID-19 vaccine policy at the direction of Gov. Kevin Stitt late last week. Adjutant General Thomas Mancino says "no negative administrative or legal action will be taken" against Guard soldiers and airmen who do not get the shot.
But, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the Department of Defense has the authority to enforce the vaccine mandate. He said those who refuse could see disciplinary action.
"Refusing to do that — absent an approved exemption — puts them in the same potential as active duty members who refuse the vaccine," said Kirby. "It's a lawful order, and they are subject to that order."
LIVE: @PentagonPresSec John F. Kirby holds a news briefing at the Pentagon. https://t.co/fPHIYevKa0
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) November 15, 2021
Mancino's stance on the mandate hinges on whom the Oklahoma National Guard takes orders from and when. Under Title 32, Oklahoma's Governor issues instructions when Guard troops operate under the state's authority. Mancino claims that only after being mobilized by the President and operating under Title 10 would they then be subject to the federal requirement.
“Failing to follow the Governor’s lawful orders while on Title 32 would be both illegal, unethical, and against our sworn oaths. Nothing in this order prevents anyone from taking the vaccine,” Mancino said. “Also, nothing in his order eliminates the Federal Requirement. The Governor is hoping for Federal Relief from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and in the interim has granted state relief from this requirement.”
But, Kirby said Guard members are still affected by the mandate.
“These vaccines are safe and effective, and National Guardsmen are required to take them under the authorities that the secretary has, including when they're Title 32 status,” Kirby said.
Mancino was appointed as Adjutant General last week, after Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt removed Michael Thompson from the position. Thompson supported vaccinations for Guard members.
Earlier this month, Stitt asked U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to suspend vaccination requirements for Oklahoma National Guard members. Austin has yet to respond.
This report was produced by the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange, a collaboration of public media organizations. Help support collaborative journalism by donating at the link at the top of this webpage.
