After the coronavirus vaccine mandate for members of the military was canceled this week, the Pentagon may consider paying back troops discharged for refusing it.
“All military personnel and veterans may apply at any time to the appropriate Discharge Review Board or Military/Naval Records Correction Board if they believe there is an error or injustice in their records – separated by vaccine mandate.” Major Charlie Deetz, a Pentagon spokesperson who includes what he said, told Fox News Digital in a statement on Friday.
“Regarding Backpay, the State Department is still looking into this and will provide its views on legislation of this nature at the appropriate time and through the appropriate process,” he added.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin formally scrapped pandemic-era policies on Tuesday after Congress included them in December’s annual defense spending bill.
Republican lawmakers are trying to support reinstatements and honorable discharges for discharged soldiers.
Service members fired due to UNVAXXED status may be reinstated in the military under Republican-led bill
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin this week issued a memo formally dropping the controversial COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the military.
(Photo by John Cherry/Getty Images)
Former Vice President Mike Pence called the mission “unconscionable” in an interview with The Hill Wednesday and believes all troops discharged for refusing vaccines should be paid in full. added.
Pentagon Waives COVID Vaccine Mandate for Military
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin formally scrapped the pandemic-era policy on Tuesday after Congress wrote it into the annual defense spending bill in December.
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
“I believe Secretary Austin has implemented a law passed by Congress to lift the vaccine mandate for members of the military. because they have refused vaccinations and have refused to pay 100% of their wages after discharge,” he said.
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Nearly 8,500 military personnel have been discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine while it was mandated, but the vast majority, 96%, have been vaccinated.
