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“We are aware of the memo issued by the Oklahoma Adjutant Typical concerning COVID vaccination for Guardsmen and the governor’s letter requesting exemption. We will reply to the governor properly,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stated in a statement to CNN. “That reported, Secretary (Lloyd) Austin believes that a vaccinated force is a extra all set pressure. That is why he has requested necessary vaccines for the whole pressure, and that contains our National Guard, who add appreciably to countrywide missions at residence and abroad.”
In the memo to Oklahoma Countrywide Guard associates issued Thursday and received by CNN affiliate KOKH-Tv set, Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino mentioned the Oklahoma Countrywide Guard has rejected the Defense Department’s requirement that all support customers receive the coronavirus vaccine and will allow for staff to choose out of the plan without repercussions. In accordance to the memo, however, if they are federally mobilized, users ought to be vaccinated.
Before this thirty day period, Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt sent a letter to Sec. Austin requesting Covid-19 vaccine mandates be suspended for customers of the state’s Nationwide Guard.
“We estimate that around 800 Oklahoma guardsmen have not and do not prepare on acquiring the COVID-19 vaccine. This constitutes 10% of Oklahoma’s in general power,” Stitt wrote. “It is irresponsible for the federal federal government to put obligatory vaccine obligations on Oklahoma countrywide guardsmen which could perhaps restrict the variety of men and women that I can connect with upon to support the state for the duration of an emergency.”
Previously this week, Stitt named Mancino to be adjutant basic for Oklahoma and commander of the Oklahoma Army and Air Nationwide Guard. Mancino’s appointment demands confirmation by the Oklahoma Condition Senate. The previous adjutant basic Mike Thompson, who was abruptly relieved Wednesday, was a supporter of the Covid-19 vaccine and gained a booster shot very last thirty day period.
CNN has arrived at out to Stitt’s office environment and the Oklahoma National Guard for even further comment on this matter.
Earlier this year, Stitt signed into regulation SB 658, which mostly prevented college boards from mandating masks or vaccinations, besides underneath specific situation.
In August, Sec. Austin stated in a memo he was directing the Navy Department services to “promptly commence full vaccination” of all Armed Forces associates or those in the Ready Reserve, such as the National Guard, who are not but fully vaccinated.
“Following watchful consultation with health care gurus and military services management, and with the aid of the President, I have determined that mandatory vaccination from coronavirus sickness 2019 (COVID-19) is needed to defend the Drive and protect the American people today,” he said.
