Soldiers in the Army Reserve and National Guard who refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine won’t be allowed to attend any federally funded activities, including their monthly drills, and won’t receive pay or retirement credit, the Pentagon announced.
Troops refusing the vaccine, with an approved or pending exemption, could also face a reprimand or a bar from service.
The new regulations took effect on July 1 following the directive from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
“Unit commanders will be able to activate and pay soldiers for limited administrative purposes, such as receiving the vaccine, processing their exemption requests, or conducting separation procedures,” Army officials said in a statement.