Col. Aaron Bohrer, who is based at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, says the military has been giving vaccines "pretty much since the Army was established," and that the majority of soldiers at his base are vaccinated.
"When it became mandatory, on the 24th of August, most people lined up and got their shot," Col. Bohrer says. "There are those that have questions, and we have procedures for that. But, again, the vaccinations aren't new to the military at all."
If a soldier refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine, there is a multi-step procedure in place. These include a CDC informational video, a meeting with a medical professional to answer any questions about the vaccine and time in between to reconsider their decision.
Should the soldier still refuse to comply with the order to be vaccinated their commander can begin the process for an administrative action that becomes part of their permanent record that could affect future chances for promotion.
The military is not currently discharging members for their vaccination decisions. However, if vaccination numbers are too low that protocol could "potentially change," according to Col. Bohrer.
- Col. Aaron Bohrer, chief of operations and director of training for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood
- Patricia Kime, reporter for military.com
