Wear a Mask or Show Proof of Vaccine Unless You Want an Article 15

A June Department of Defense COVID-19 guidance update that enables base commanders to ask service members for proof of vaccination is beginning to impact the military. “Several dozen unvaccinated soldiers” were given General Officer Memoranda of Reprimand, Fort Knox Command Information Chief Kyle Hodges told Coffee or Die Magazine. These actions come as large swaths of the country drop mask mandates and reopen to full capacity.

“These unmasked Soldiers failed to provide proof of vaccination,” Hodges told Coffee or Die via email. “Current DoD and Fort Knox policy require personnel to wear masks in DoD facilities if not vaccinated.”

The soldiers were stopped by “senior leaders” as they attempted to enter on-post facilities on Fort Knox, such as a shopette and the Post Exchange, unmasked, Hodges said. Upon failure to prove their vaccination statuses, those soldiers were issued GOMORs, which are considered significant disciplinary actions.

According to the Army, a GOMOR, if permanent, has severe implications for a soldier’s career. While a commander has the option of making a GOMOR a temporary disciplinary action, a permanent GOMOR can derail even the most pristine career. For enlisted soldiers, a GOMOR can prevent promotion, and in the case of officers, it can be the basis for separation from the military. 

When asked whether these disciplinary actions would be made permanent, Hodges said “Each case will be reviewed independently on its merits.”

Those disciplined at Fort Knox violated what Hodges said was “a standing DOD policy and installation order.” Specifically, Fort Knox’s “General Order Number 1 Relating to Coronavirus” states: “all persons on Fort Knox may be required to show proof of vaccination to access and remain in Fort Knox workplaces and facilities without wearing a mask.”

In other services, such as the Marine Corps, similar disciplinary events have yet to occur. However, the potential for them remains. On July 9, the Marine Corps issued MARADMINS Number: 354/21, which states that nonvaccinated personnel must remain masked at all times, including outdoors. Additionally, commanders have both the authority to ask someone to show evidence of vaccination and the latitude to enforce potentially more restrictive measures.

“Commanders and supervisors may enforce a more restrictive mask policy than this MARADMIN to ensure a safe workforce, to respect host nation or local jurisdiction guidelines, or to ensure mission accomplishment,” the MARADMIN reads. 

The aggressive new trend of mask enforcement aboard US military bases began July 13 when, according to the Army Times, the leadership of Fort Rucker, Alabama, required all personnel to show proof of vaccination if they were maskless. The move by leadership at Fort Rucker came nearly three weeks after the DOD guidance allowing commanders to implement such requirements was published.  

How long the mask mandates are to remain and how many installations will adopt a “proof of vaccine” policy remains to be seen. However, according to Hodges, those at Fort Knox who choose not to comply should be prepared to face disciplinary action.

“Fort Knox leaders will continue to ensure the health and safety of those working on the installation and the surrounding community by enforcing standards and policy,” Hodges said.

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