), LTG Anthony R. "Tony" Ierardi, USA (Ret. The reasons for a permanent disqualification are vague. SAD duties are usually short term. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. It's unclear if the military will dismiss these service members once they recover from coronavirus. While guidance has been updated to disqualify those who have been hospitalized, infection rates show that a blanket disqualification becomes tacitly discriminatory. -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Multiple Republican governors have vowed not to kick out Guardsmen who remain unvaccinated. More than5,000 service membershave tested positive for coronavirus with mass screenings occurring at recruiting depots and bootcamp. The original policy, released earlier this month, began as atotal ban on recruits whohad been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past. The current widespread prevalence of the coronavirus affects these programs. While the Navy got the ship back to sea aftertwo months, overall operational readiness in the Pacific was impacted while the carrier was pier-side in Guam. The pandemic has exacerbated structural inequities, infecting and killing black people and those without access to healthcare at higher rates. A defense official told Insider that the memo was "interim" guidance that was updated Wednesday. And no major religious leaders have come out against vaccines. Banning COVID-19 survivors from military service is a recruiting mess waiting to happen | Center for a New American Security (en-US) Commentary Research Areas The Future of Warfare Strengthening Deterrence The Gaming Lab Defense Discussions The China Challenge Regional Alliances and Partnerships The India Opportunity The North Korea Threat Furthermore, geographic breakdown of infection rates spell long term difficulty for recruiting commands. Potential recruits can apply for waivers for any disqualifying medical condition, but the memo does not give guidance for what would lead to an exemption for someone diagnosed with COVID-19. The official told the outlet the guidance is being put in place because there is. "Soldiers who refuse the vaccination order without an approved or pending exemption request are subject to adverse administrative actions, including flags, bars to service, and official reprimands," an Army spokesperson said in a statement. Read about the most current guidance here. If soldiers, sailors, airmen, or Marines are ill with coronavirus, the flu, or something else, it can hurt their ability to fight if needed. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. The Defense Department has rescinded a policy that banned recruits from enlisting in the military if they have been hospitalized for coronavirus,the Pentagons head of manpower said Thursday. Updated guidelines follow a 24-hour news cycle of confusion. An applicant who fails screening will not be tested, but can return in 14 days if they do not show COVID-19 symptoms. Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. The memo prompted howls of disbelief on social media. Stephen Lopez, a 69-year-old from Pleasantville, New York, needed at-home oxygen even after he was discharged but is now recovering well. If an individual can pass the Military Entrance Processing Station screening process despite a hospitalization for coronavirus they should be allowed to serve, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Arizona, wrote to Defense Secretary Mark Esper on May 12. Coronavirus survivors will be barred from entering the military unless they are granted a waiver from the branch they are seeking to join, a defense official told Fox News, as the agency. If soldiers, sailors, airmen, or Marines are ill with coronavirus, the flu, or something else, it can hurt their ability to fight if needed. DoD may have calculated most military recruits are aged 18-25, at lesser risk for severe cases of COVID-19, and those with mild cases could be immune, increasing the immunity level of the overall force. Only six Guard soldiers across all states and territories have permanent medical exemptions for the vaccine, out of 53 who requested one, according to Army data. The DOD offers free resources through Military OneSource. However, without any further guidance for exceptions dealing with COVID-19, a review authority would have no justification to grant a waiver. The Pentagon has banned survivors of COVID-19 from enlisting in the military, according to a government memo released this week. The defense establishment needs not only to procure and manufacture weapons systems, but repair and maintain them to keep them in service for our troops and our nation. There is also new guidance for examining an applicant's history with the disease during the screening process. In the meantime, he said, the policy is to look at each recruit on a case-by-case basis. Trained Afghan Forces For A Nation That Didn't Exist, Fierce fighting between Taliban and Afghan forces in Kandahar, The Afghan government failed to earn the trust of its people. Greg Abbott, who has used SAD orders lasting up to a year to mobilize thousands of troops for missions on the U.S.-Mexico border. That was then changed to potentiallybarring the enlistee if they had beenhospitalized due to the illness. Experts say there may be a link between severe post-COVID symptoms and increased suicide risks. As of Friday, 5,171 active-duty military personnel have tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the epidemic , in June, theNavycalled up some 1,600 naval reservists to support aircraft carrier and submarine repair work at four shipyards to replaceworkers deemed at high-risk from the coronavirus. Theres a lot of unknowns about this virus right now. Likewise, in-person official visits, professional conferences, and nonessential travel, which advance military objectives, have been suspended in an attempt to contain and mitigate the risks associated with this worrisome virus. Indeed, as Americans, these tough times will likely improve the resilience of both our militaryand the nation. And as the services brace for a resurgence in infections, its still unknown whether COVID-19 antibodies provide immunity to re-infection, or could perhaps make someone more susceptible to a second round of the disease. The official, citing the new guidance, explained that "individuals diagnosed or confirmed with COVID-19 but not hospitalized are medically qualified to process for accession 28 days following home isolation," but those "individuals diagnosed or confirmed with COVID-19 and hospitalized are medically disqualified for accession, subject to further review of hospitalization/comorbidity records, and waiver by a Service Medical Waiver Authority.". Sign up for notifications from Insider! National Guard forces in at least 20 states have also reported cases. Banning individuals with a COVID-19 history prioritizes recruits who have both the geographic and financial ability to self-isolate. Here are some examples of the impacts of the coronavirus on our military forces: Ongoing preparation and instruction is a fundamental element of our modern military, ranging from boot camp for new recruits to advanced war college education for senior leaders. A readout of coronavirus cases within the U.S. military, provided to American Military News by the Pentagon, currently lists more than 5,300 active military personnel as having been diagnosed with coronavirus, 115 of which have been hospitalized. Thats what our health care professionals are looking at right now, and theyll come up with that recommendation on if theres any changes required to the accession standard, he said. Reserve soldiers fall exclusively under the federal government, possibly making it easier to separate them from service. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. If the soldiers continue to refuse the vaccine, the consequences could be even more dire. Apparently the best way to serve your country right now is by staying home because if you've been infected with the coronavirus, you're currently banned from joining the military. The United Nations Secretary-General Antnio Guterres said that the million coronavirus deaths were mind-numbing. Thats what our health care professionals are looking at right now.. Pero's story is one of many COVID-19 survivors who, upon recovering from the infection, are only beginning their journey of recovery. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The short answer is yes: The President of the United States can order members of the military to take the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 5,000 service members have tested positive for coronavirus with mass screenings occurring at recruiting depots and bootcamp. A diagnosis of the COVID-19 coronavirus may keep prospective recruits out of the U.S. military, according to a memo from U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command making the rounds on Twitter.. U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command issued the missive to recruit processing stations saying a history of COVID-19, confirmed by a laboratory test or a clinician diagnosis, is permanently . as well as other partner offers and accept our. One crewmember passed away from the virus. To be sure, COVID-19 has shown to be a virus with enormous capacity to inflict damage on those with severe cases. But SAD duties do not qualify Guardsmen for federal benefits or retirement -- effectively shutting them out of all of the military's service incentives other than a paycheck. Were fortunate to be able to look to themilitary for supportin this time of a national public health crisis and indeed it has played a major role in the federal response. It is unclear if DoD plans to revise the guidance once more information is known about COVID-19. The average age of survivors is now into the 80s and because of COVID-19 lectures from hibakusha at the local museum have fallen by 90 per cent. The memo initially said that a confirmed history of COVID-19 from a lab test or clinical diagnosis would be "permanently disqualifying." However, medical researchers have cautioned against assuming surviving COVID-19 provides full or even partial immunity to future infections. Theres a lot of unknowns about this virus right now. Editor's Note: This is an opinion column. Asked if a recruit would need a waiver to join if they had contracted the illness and recovered,Donovan said the military will review such instances on a case-by-case basis. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Individuals with severe enough cases to have suffered lung, heart, kidney, and brain damage would not be eligible for military service under the existing medical guidelines. 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. It adds that during the medical history interview or examination part of their application, "a history of COVID-19 confirmed by either a laboratory test or clinician diagnosis, is permanently disqualifying.". This piece is part of the CSIS International Security Program's Transition46 series on Defense360. After returning, a COVID-19 diagnoses will be marked permanently disqualifying, according to the memo. "In the future, Soldiers who continue to refuse the vaccination order without an exemption may be subject to additional adverse administrative action, including separation," the Army spokesperson said. As of July 1, 13% of the Army Guard and 12% of the Reserve is unvaccinated. Nathalie Grogan and Emma Moore, Center for a New American Security One coronavirus survivor manages her medical bills in color-coded folders: green, red and tan for different types of documents. In January COVID Survivors for Change held a training in how to effectively lobby legislators and followed it up with a lobby day in March to push for the Covid relief bill Congress was . "On the third day of being on oxygen, I sent a message to my fianc. The official told the outlet the guidance is being put in place because there is little understanding of the long-term effects of the virus. For instance, there is some indication that organ damage results from severe cases. Despite the Pentagon's vaccine . Herd immunity would require an estimated 70 percent of the population to be infected with COVID, levels not even reached in New York City, and unlikely to be achieved until sometime in 2021. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY. The move comes in the midst of the annual training season, during which part-time soldiers are often ordered to serve from two weeks to a month with their units for summer training exercises. COVID-19 survivors had a 50% increased risk of death compared with flu survivors, with about 29 excess deaths per 1,000 patients at six months. Covid-19 is something Yoga never wants to experience again and still fears, so when vaccination opened to his age group, he signed up right away and he has now had two jabs. 22 April 2020. If an applicant seems likely positive for the coronavirus, they can return to the MEPS if they're symptom-free after 14 days. Nathalie Grogan and Emma Moore. 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During the medical history interview or examination, a history of COVID-19, confirmed by either a laboratory test or a clinician diagnosis, is permanently disqualifying the memo reads. There is no question that the coronavirus threatens the health and well-being of the force. The United States military will not allow those who have previously been diagnosed and recovered from COVID-19 to enlist . Advertisement "Many of our members are complaining that they [are] being gaslit. Though more than20,000service members have reportedly contracted coronavirus so far, the number is likely higher due to the seemingly high percentage of asymptomatic carriers of the virus. The memo, first reported by the Military Times, says that during the prescreen process, an applicant's reported history of confirmed COVID-19 "will be annotated as 'Considered Disqualifying. Soldiers are required to be innoculated against at least a dozen other ailments, including the flu and hepatitis. The United States military has banned coronavirus survivors from joining the armed forces over fears that the virus may permanently damage the lungs of young recruits. A defense official confirmed to CNN that the Pentagon is considering the ban on recruiting COVID-19 survivors. Naval Academyaltered plebe summera required summer training programfor the class of 2024. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. 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For more information about the Committee's efforts to address the COVID-19 crisis and resources for available for veterans, please visit: https://veterans.house.gov/covid-19. A man whose father died of the virus last fall uses an Excel. The initial guidance, a military recruitment memo from US Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) circulating on social media and first reported on by Military Times on Wednesday, said that a COVID-19 diagnosis, even after recovery, would be considered disqualifying. That starts with screening at all MEPS, which includes taking a temperature and answering questions about symptoms and potential contact. Updated guidelines follow a 24-hour news cycle of confusion. DoD will have to meet readiness goals while hoping a vaccine will be widely available to society or at least to troops. >>> Whats the best way for America to reopen and return to business? DoD is exercising caution in the face of the unknown. What started as an all-out ban evolved into barring those who had been hospitalized after contracting the virus. Concerningly, banning individuals with a COVID-19 history prioritizes recruits who have both the geographic and financial ability to self-isolate and implement all precautions to avoid infection. Along with low-income individuals whose public-facing jobs risk exposure, minorities are overrepresented in the essential workforce.. Military Times says recruits can apply for waivers for all permanently disqualifying conditions, including surviving COVID-19. A new study provides grim insight into "long covid," finding that even survivors of less-serious coronavirus cases had a heightened risk of kidney damage. . While it is important for the services mitigate the continued spread of the virus, this guidance is short-sighted. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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It says any applicants at any of the 65 nationwide Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) should be evaluated for possible coronavirus infection, most likely through a temperature check and questions about their symptoms and possible contact with infected individuals. Those five days were days of restlessness, sorrow and depression.". Any potential service. When most people think about the military and the coronavirus, they think of stories such as the hospital ship, USNS Comfort, deploying to New York City, or the National Guard helping with test sites, or the Army Corps of Engineers erecting temporary hospitals this past spring to handle an overload of sick patients. The Army's deadline is Dec. 15. Applicants who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 will have to wait 28 days after the diagnosis to report for a screening, based on the memo. Anyone who tests positive through a lab test or clinical diagnosis can return to MEPS 28 days after their diagnosis. While Guardsmen technically serve under their respective governors during their typical weekend duties, those weekends are federally funded. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the mid-morning attack. The Pentagon has not provided any public updates or said when the formal policy will be issued. ### U.S. U.S. military Travel Travel Ban Coronavirus. / CBS News. Download "Covid-19 and the Military: Maintaining Operations While Supporting Civil Society" 364kb. The memo also arrives just as military recruiters prepare to face an onslaught of students deciding their post-graduate summer plans or evaluating whether to return to school in the fall. Those training events are usually critical for soldiers to sharpen their military skills and for unit commanders to ensure their formations are ready to deploy if needed. That means a full work-up by military entrance processing station doctors, with time of diagnosis, complications and recovery taken into account. The highest number of recruits come from southern states, which are slowly starting to reopen despite the absence of a decline in infection and death rates. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. I told him I didn't know if I was going to make it and whatever . As the United States grapples with the realities of a pandemic world, this is an enormous change for medical requirements imposed on new military recruits. By attempting to simply guard against the unknown, DoD has thrust itself into larger questions of structural inequalities and maintaining readiness long-term. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. DoD may calculate that the sheer number of unemployment claims in March will offset limiting the pool of eligible recruits by leading to a significant spike in interest. Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 will have to wait until 28 days after diagnosis to report to MEPS. As the United States grapples with the realities of a pandemic world, this is an enormous change for medical requirements imposed on new military recruits. The memo stated that all 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) across the country will medically evaluate all potential recruits, who will be required to have their temperature taken and complete a screening survey. WASHINGTON The Defense Department has begun barring the enlistment of would-be military recruits who have been hospitalized for the coronavirus, unless they get a special medical waiver. '", During the screening process, a reported history of confirmed COVID-19 will be annotated Considered disqualifying pic.twitter.com/ZKx91AUbXo. David Lat, 45, New York. This ban applies uniquely applies to coronavirus survivors while allowing applicants with histories of other viral, non-chronic illnesses to enter the military. Read Next: Space Force Launches New Intelligence Unit as Congress Voices Concerns over Growth. The COVID-19 vaccines have not been on the Department of Defense's mandatory list. A coronavirus survivor's story: 'I touched death'. The vaccination deadline for active-duty members of the armed services has passed for the Air Force, Navy and the Marine Corps. Indeed, many military exercises and training events, especially overseas, have been delayed or cancelled due to the concerns about spreading the virus nationally or internationally. An infectious disease such as the coronavirus can introduce tension into these foreign relations. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that carries blood components throughout the body . Maxwell declined to explain why a coronavirus diagnosis would be permanently disqualifying, compared to other viral, non-chronic illnesses that do not preclude military service. My fianc, my sister and her husband were strongly there for me," Ivuoma said. A Pentagon spokeswoman confirmed the document is authentic,. The memo is authentic, Pentagon spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell confirmed to Military Times. The Japanesedefense ministeralso expressed concerns about the handling of the outbreak, which put stress on the U.S.-Japanese alliance. A . It all began with a low fever, about 99 to 100 degrees. To learn more about the COVID-19 Benefits for Active Duty Servicemembers, the Reserve Components, and their Survivors Act of 2020, click here. Due to underlying structural barriers, a blanket ban on previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors - regardless of their current health status - will disproportionately affect minorities and. 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Christopher Kolenda speaks to host Marco Werman about the need of Afghans to develop their own strategy moving forward. Are ther are there any long-term, lasting effects? Jose Rodriguez/US Army Last month, the military turned itself. By Although economic realities may allow the services to temporarily offset tightening medical standards, implementation of this guidance poses questions for whether DoD will be prioritized with virus or antibody testing; if potential recruits will not seek medical care in order to avoid hospitalization; and if it is a sustainable long-term strategy. The dangers increase with the . A . However, there are outliers such as Texas Gov. Due to underlying structural barriers, a blanket ban on previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors regardless of their current health status will disproportionately affect minorities and low-income individuals. Military bans COVID-19 survivors from joining, Pentagon official confirms. It sort of depends, he said. A COVID-19 diagnosis at any point in a person's life would be "permanently disqualifying" for military service. Fortunately, the men and women of the armed forces are mostly young, and in good physical health, which reduces the likelihood they will need hospitalization. However, I do not think that the lack of research available warrants permanently disqualifying patriotic Americans from serving in the military.. Peter researches and develops Heritages policy on weapons of mass destruction and counter proliferation. December 17, 2021 / 10:13 AM / AP. Concerns over lags in testing, prevalence of high risk populations, and non-compliance with social distancing orders may create the conditions for a second surge in those states. A defense official confirmed to CNN that the Pentagon is considering the ban on recruiting COVID-19 survivors.
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