The US military has vaccinated more than 97% for its active-duty force against Covid-19 as the Army, which had the latest vaccination deadline amongst the services, released its latest numbers.
Despite the phenomenal success the military has had in vaccinating the armed forces, approximately 35,000 troops remain unvaccinated. That number includes thousands of pending requests, largely for religious exemptions. So far, no such exemption requests have been granted by any of the services. The Army, which hit its vaccination deadline on Wednesday, has fully or partially vaccinated 98% of its active-duty force, with 3,864 soldier refusals.
The Air Force has fully or partially vaccinated 97.5% of its active-duty force as of this week, while the Marine Corps and Navy have vaccinated approximately 95% and 98%, respectively.Earlier this week, the Air Force began discharging service members who refuse to get vaccinated. A total of 27 airmen were separated in what is likely the first-time troops have been removed from the military for failing to follow the vaccine mandate.