The United States Army has reportedly kicked out over 60 thousand unvaccinated National Guard and Reserve soldiers, which takes away their pay and other benefits. Veteran and US Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) has since condemned the military for their decision.
The mass termination of US Army soldiers includes 40 thousand from the National Guard and 22 thousand Reserve soldiers. This also does not seem to be the end of forcing soldiers to take the vaccine. One Army representative reportedly stated, "In the future, Soldiers who continue to refuse the vaccination order without an exemption may be subject to additional adverse administrative action, including separation."
Rep. Waltz, who is a Special Forces Green Beret, seems to think the benefits outweigh the harm in keeping unvaccinated soldiers in the Army, listing everything soldiers must do.
"Our National Guard served during a pandemic, riots, hurricanes, wildfires, border protection, and combat deployments." Waltz added, "These soldiers have stepped up for America and this is the thanks they get? Insane!"
Our National Guard served during a pandemic, riots, hurricanes, wildfires, border protection, and combat deployments.
These soldiers have stepped up for America 🇺🇸 and this is the thanks they get? Insane! https://t.co/QxoM2fRA6d
— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) July 7, 2022
Waltz further commented that the US military at large simply cannot afford to make cuts like this, not only because of our own numbers, but because of rival nations already building impeccable forces. Waltz continued, "At a time when the Army can’t make its recruiting goals - it kicks out 60k soldiers? Sad irony as China embarks on the largest military buildup in modern history."
Previously, the US Navy had its own altercation with vaccines and what to do with their members. Late last year US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) alongside US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) sided with the Navy SEALs in Navy SEALs v Biden. Scott argued that denying the vaccine is covered by the soldier's First Amendment right to religious freedom.
