Pentagon Formally Rescinds COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Troops

U.S. News & World Report
The Pentagon on Jan. 10 announced it is formally ending its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for troops after President Biden signed into law a massive defense spending bill that required the measure’s termination, bringing a close to the contentious issue that drew considerable ire from Republicans. Notably, the memorandum dated Jan. 10 and signed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that standing policies regarding vaccines remain in effect. Those policies include the “ability of commanders to consider, as appropriate, the individual immunization status of personnel in making deployment, assignment, and other operational decisions, including when vaccination is required for travel to, or entry into, a foreign nation.”