US army repeals its vaccination obligation against Covid-19

The Pentagon on Tuesday repealed the obligation for the American military to be vaccinated against Covid-19, after having been forced to do so by Congress.

It said this health restriction, one of the last major ones that were still in place in the United States, had caused the departure of more than 8,000 people from the ranks of the American army.

Lloyd Austin, the defense secretary, wrote in the memo ending the provision to be “particularly proud” of his department’s action in the fight against the virus.

He also indicates that the Pentagon will continue to encourage vaccination.

Congress had adopted on December 15, in a text devoted to the budget of the army, a provision asking the Ministry of Defense to reverse this vaccination obligation. Its purpose, according to the Pentagon, was to protect the health and optimal level of readiness of the American military.