US Navy set to boot sailors who refuse COVID vaccine

The U.S. Navy announced Thursday that it is preparing to discharge sailors who refuse vaccination for COVID-19 as mandated by the Pentagon, and the service members who get the boot over their noncompliance run the risk of losing some veterans benefits.

The Navy sent out a press release noting that Nov. 14 is the deadline for active-duty sailors to get either their second shot of a two-dose vaccine or the single shot of a one-dose vaccine. Reservists have until Dec. 14.

Sailors who do not have a pending or approved exemption by the deadlines set will face administrative actions and “those separated only for vaccine refusal will receive no lower than a general discharge under honorable conditions” the Navy’s statement read, adding, “This type of discharge could result in the loss of some veterans’ benefits.”

The Navy said it “may also seek recoupment of applicable bonuses, special and incentive pays, and the cost of training and education for service members refusing the vaccine.”- READ MORE