SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON
16 NOV 2024
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
‘SUBJECT: Flagging and Bars to Continued Service of Soldiers Who Refuse the
COVID-19 Vaccination Order
1. Purpose. This memorandum provides policy and procedures for flagging Soldiers
who refuse the COVID-19 vaccination order and are not pending an exemption request.
2. Background. On 14 September 2021, FRAGO 5 to HQDA EXORD 225-21 (COVID-
19 Steady State Operations) was published. This order directed all Soldiers, not
otherwise exempt, to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19. FRAGO 5 directs that,
during Phase 1, Soldiers refusing the mandatory vaccination order will be flagged |AW
Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-2 and Commanders will initiate a General Officer
Memorandum of Reprimand, unless the Soldier has received, or is pending a final
decision on, a medical or administrative exemption, Administrative exemptions include
religious accommodations as well as others enumerated in AR 40-562
3. Applicability. The provisions of this memorandum apply to the Regular Army, Army
National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.
4. Policy. | have determined all Solders who refuse the mandatory vaccination order,
and who have not received, and are not pending final decision on, a medical or
administrative exemption, will remain flagged under flag code “A.” Soldiers who were
previously flagged, and whose flags have since been removed, will be reflagged in
accordance with this policy.
a. The effective date of the flag will be the date the Soldier makes a final declination
of immunization, following a meeting with a medical professional and second order to
receive the vaccine from an immediate commander, as instructed in FRAGO 5 to HQDA
EXORD 225-21, paragraph 3.D.8.B.5.A.
b. The flag will remain in place beyond completion of any ensuing non-punitive
memorandum of reprimand. The Soldier will remain flagged unti they are fully
vaccinated, receive an approved medical or administrative exemption, or are separated
from the Army.
c. Soldiers flagged under this policy are still eligible for Disability Evaluation System
processing. Additional personnel actions, to include retirement, unqualified resignation,
and separation upon expiration of term of service, will be processed in accordance with
applicable policy and regulation.SUBJECT: Flagging and Bars to Continued Service of Soldiers Who Refuse the
COVID-19 Vaccination Order
d. Favorable personnel actions are suspended for flagged Soldiers in accordance
with AR 600-8-2, paragraph 3-1, including, but not limited to, reenlistment,
reassignment, promotion, appearance before a semi-centralized promotion board,
issuance of awards and decorations, attendance at military or civilian schools,
application for or use of tuition assistance, payment of enlistment bonus or selective
reenlistment bonus, or assumption of command,
5. In conjunction with this policy, | authorize commanders to impose bars to continued
service, under the provisions of AR 601-280, for all Soldiers who refuse the mandatory
vaccination order without an approved exemption or a pending exemption request.
6. Proponent. The DCS, G-1 is the proponent for this policy guidance.
7. Duration. This memorandum is rescinded on publication of superseding guidance.
(ibe Et drat
Christine E. Wormuth
DISTRIBUTION:
Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Amy
Commander
U.S. Army Forces Command
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
U.S. Army Materiel Command
U.S. Army Futures Command
U.S. Army Pacific
U.S. Army Europe
U.S. Army Central
U.S. Army North
U.S. Army South
U.S. Army Africa/Southem European Task Force
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Ammy Strategic Command
U.S. Army Cyber Command
U.S. Army Medical Command
U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command
U.S. Army Corps of EngineersSUBJECT: Flagging and Bars to Continued Service of Soldiers Who Refuse the
COVID-19 Vaccination Order
U.S. Army Military District of Washington
U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
Superintendent, U.S. Military Academy
Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center
‘Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery
Commandant, U.S. Army War College
Director, U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
CF:
Director of Business Transformation
Eighth U.S. Army