Pentagon Responds After Oklahoma National Guard Rejects Vaccine Mandate

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The U.S. Department of Defense indicated it will respond to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt after his state’s National Guard suggested it would reject a Pentagon COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all service members.

“We are aware of the memo issued by the Oklahoma Adjutant General regarding COVID vaccination for Guardsmen and the governor’s letter requesting exemption. We will respond to the governor appropriately,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement to news outlets on late Saturday.

Without elaborating how the Defense Department (DOD) would respond, Kirby said Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin “believes that a vaccinated force is a more ready force,” and that it’s “why he has ordered mandatory vaccines for the total force, and that includes our National Guard, who contribute significantly to national missions at home and abroad.”

Kirby’s remarks came after the newly appointed Oklahoma National Guard commander, Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino, issued a Nov. 11 memorandum indicating he would decline to implement the Pentagon’s vaccine mandate.

The first military vaccine mandate deadline is Nov. 2, although each branch has set different deadlines by which members should get the vaccine for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes the disease COVID-19. The Pentagon set a June 30, 2022, deadline for all Army reservists and the National Guard to get the shot, according to a news release from the federal Military Health System issued in September.

Mancino, in his memo, wrote, “I hereby order that no Oklahoma Guardsmen be required to take the COVID-19 Vaccine, notwithstanding any other Federal requirement.”

“Oklahoma Command’s will continue to process Federal vaccine waivers in accordance with DoD policy,” he added. “Additionally, no negative administrative or legal action will be taken against Guardsmen who refuse the COVID-19 Vaccine.”

Stitt, a Republican, previously asked Austin and other Pentagon leaders for waivers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and he’s still waiting for a decision, Macino’s memo continued to say.

By Jack Phillips

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Fauci Caught DEAD TO RIGHTS in Anti-FOIA Conspiracy, Per Newly Released Emails

Fauci told Congress in 2024 he never pressured staff to delete emails, but evidence shows otherwise, raising perjury concerns and calls for indictment.

America is facing what could be described as “disorganized troubles,” born of a feeling of powerlessness.

The US is seeing a pattern of consistent, politically motivated lone-wolf attacks, evident in events like the murder of Charlie Kirk on a campus in Utah.

A Bullet Is No Argument

Charlie Kirk’s sharp intellect and joyful debate style dismantled challengers’ arguments, making him a target for those opposed to truth and goodness.

Private Citizens Work to Solve the Kirk Assassination

Americans unite after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, scouring online videos for anomalies surrounding the shocking event.

24 Years Later and NEW 9/11 Information is Still Coming Out

New info from journalist Catherine Herridge reveals the 9/11 plot traces back to 1998, following the first failed terrorist mission in 1993.

Charlie Kirk’s Widow Addresses Public After Assassination

Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, made her first public appearance and shared her heart after her husband was brutally assassinated in front of the world.

Suspect in Kirk Assassination Caught, Identified as Tyler Robinson

The suspect indicated to a family member he was connected to the shooting and had previously expressed opposition to Kirk’s viewpoints.

Secret Service Agent Placed on Leave Over Post About Charlie Kirk

A Secret Service agent has been placed on leave after his comments on social media following the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

US Coast Guard Burns Boat Carrying Nearly 13,000 Pounds of Cocaine in the Pacific

U.S. Coast Guard seized 7 suspected smugglers with 13,000 lbs of cocaine in the Pacific and sank their boat during Operation Pacific Viper.

Trump Signs Memo Targeting Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising

President Trump signed a memo to ensure drug ads give fair, balanced, and complete information to protect and inform American consumers.

Trump Runs out of Patience With China, Sharpens His Words

President Donald Trump’s recent remarks targeting China and its allies mark a noticeable shift in tone.

Trump Signs Order Renaming Department of Defense as Department of War

President Donald Trump on Sept. 5 signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Countries That Unlawfully Detain Americans

President Trump signed an EO on targeting the unlawful detention of American citizens around the world and to facilitate the release of hostages.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central