The new leader of the Oklahoma National Guard issued a memo Thursday ordering no troops will be required to take a coronavirus vaccine despite a mandate from the Pentagon requiring it, according to a news report.
Oklahoma Adjutant General Thomas Mancino updated the Oklahoma National Guard’s vaccination policy as one of his first acts in the job, noting “no negative administrative or legal action will be taken” against Guard members who decline the coronavirus vaccine, The Oklahoman reported Friday.
The decision comes after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in August issued a mandate requiring all service members to get the vaccine or be separated from the military for failing to obey a lawful order.