How can DOD require emergency-essential civilians and contractors to be vaccinated?
DOD has authority to establish appropriate requirements necessary for the successful performance of duties. In the case of emergency-essential employees and comparable contractors, they agree to comply with agency requirements that are generally comparable to those applicable to military personnel. Q: What legal ramifications do troops and DOD civilians who refuse to take the vaccine face? A: Any failure to obey a lawful order may result in administrative or disciplinary action. There is no specification provided by law for the particular punishment that might be imposed in any case of failure to obey a lawful order. Authority is vested in the command structure and under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to determine the appropriate action, with protections for the due process rights of the member. Q: Are the services preparing to prosecute troops and DOD civilians who refuse to be vaccinated? A: There are no special preparations planned or needed. DOD experience with mandatory anth
