As the military COVID vaccine mandate is still very new, consequences for those who refuse the vaccination remain unclear currently. In the past, however, service officials have made clear that refusal of any mandatory vaccination may constitute “failure to obey an order” (possible violation of Article 92 of the U.C.M.J.) or may be punishable under other Articles of the U.C.M.J.
If the mandate is anything like the one set for federal employees of the government, members must either receive the vaccine or succumb to frequent COVID-19 testing. Federal workers were also required to complete a form acknowledging that a false statement could be punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both and can result in additional administrative action such as termination.