You see and hear a lot about some police officers, firefighters and other first responders here in San Diego and elsewhere who are refusing to follow COVID vaccine mandates which require them to get the shot or face the possible loss of their jobs.
A week ago, the families of some of these first responders held a rally to speak out against the mandates, saying they’re unfair and asking the public to protect the protectors who should have the right to choose whether to be vaccinated.
But you don’t see and hear much about those in the U.S. military when it comes to vaccine mandates. Of course, when you sign up and choose to be a service member, the first thing you’re taught is the importance of following orders.
The latest orders say active-duty sailors and Marines face administrative discharges if they fail to meet a November 28th coronavirus vaccination deadline. And it appears the vast majority are complying with those orders.
According to a San Diego Union Tribune report, 92 percent of Marines have received at least one dose so far and 83 percent are fully vaccinated. The Navy has even better numbers with 99 percent having received at least one dose and 95 percent of sailors fully vaccinated.
For Marines and sailors, it’s all about military readiness. And we’ve seen the San Diego based warships that have been hit by COVID outbreaks which make it more difficult to be military ready.
So, for them following orders is important. You might say those orders are about the protectors protecting others by protecting themselves.
(Photo Getty Images)
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Photo: United States Forces Korea via G