To maintain "military readiness"
The United States military will be required to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
Members will be expected to receive the vaccination from the beginning of September, to maintain "military readiness".
US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, published the memorandum he has sent to members of the force, on Twitter.
Mr. Lloyd notes he is seeking approval from President Biden.
I just sent a memo encouraging the Force to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and I informed them I will seek @POTUS approval to add it to the list of required vaccines for all Service members no later than mid-September, or upon @US_FDA licensure, whichever comes first. (1/2)
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) August 9, 2021
The Pentagon plans to give the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) until mid-September to give final approval.
Yesterday, Press Secretary for the Pentagon, John Kirby gave an update on the vaccination situation within the military:
.@PentagonPresSec gives an update on COVID-19 vaccines within the Force. pic.twitter.com/kPXOdihs0n
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 9, 2021
