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The Pentagon has officially rescinded the military’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made the announcement in a memo on Tuesday, January 10th but also said commanders will continue to "promote and encourage" COVID-19 vaccinations. The action was required after President Biden signed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act in December 2022.

The Pentagon instated the mandate in August 2021. Over two million service members, said to be 96% of the military both active and reserve status, have reportedly received a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Pentagon’s memo doesn’t address what will happen to military personnel who were separated from service for refusing to get the vaccine and if they will be allowed back into the service. Those who refused to get vaccinated and received a general discharge can petition the Board of Corrections for Military Records to revise it. The Department of Defense will update records of military personnel currently serving to remove any adverse actions against them for refusing to get vaccinated under the mandate. This includes letters of reprimand.

Source: Secretary of Defense Memo on Rescission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Requirements for Members of the Armed Forces U.S. Secretary of Defense, January 10, 2023

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