(RepublicanNews.org) – The vaccine continues to cause controversy as the government pushes for mandates. Opponents argue these requirements violate their rights. A new statement from the Pentagon now suggests the Biden administration is about to force the National Guard to get vaccinated — whether they like it or not.
In Oklahoma, the state’s highest-ranking military officer, Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino refused to institute mandates earlier this year for the National Guard. On November 11, he issued a statement claiming they wouldn’t take action against anyone who declined the injection.
📝READ: One of first actions taken by new Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant Gen. Thomas Mancino: rescind the #COVID19 vaccine requirement for Guardsmen.
According to memo, however, if they are federally mobilized, members will have to be vaccinated. @OKCFOX pic.twitter.com/cHozZx7zqE
— Dan Snyder (@DanSnyderFOX25) November 12, 2021
The Pentagon now says it can, and likely will, force the issue.
The #Pentagon said it has the authority to require members of the #NationalGuard to get the #Vaccine against #COVID19 after the #Oklahoma National Guard’s newly appointed commander refused to impose a #VaccineMandate ordered by the @DeptofDefense. https://t.co/2AMTzNEP0U
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) November 16, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby even claims the Secretary of Defense Llyod Austin has the power to institute the same requirement for all US forces.
Kirby notes that the order for the National Guard to get the shot is lawful. The press secretary insists that Guard members are subjected to the same punishments as active-duty service people for refusing the vaccine — unless they provide an acceptable exemption.
Kirby says guardsmen are still on federal payroll while deployed or during active military service. And that ultimately means the military has the right to demand they receive specific immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
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