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. The memo initially said that a confirmed history of COVID-19 from a lab test or clinical diagnosis would be "permanently disqualifying." Nathalie Grogan and Emma Moore, Center for a New American Security, overrepresented in the essential workforce.. While much is unknown about the trajectory of the virus, if DoD stays the course of permanently disqualifying those with a history of COVID-related hospitalization, it assumes either a vaccine or herd immunity will alleviate cases long-term. Shark Tanks Kevin OLeary blasts Ocasio-Cortez: She kills jobs by the Haley to hit Trump on spending record in closed-door Saturday speech, Trump asks for roughly six-month delay in New York fraud case. Bored Panda has collected some of the most inspiring photos of these brave Covid-19 survivors. Donovan added that he had explained the policy earlier on Thursday morning to Senate Armed Services Committee members worried about the ban and its effects on recruiting. A defense official told Insider that the memo was "interim" guidance that was updated Wednesday. By Sign up for notifications from Insider! Upon return, a diagnosis will be marked as permanently disqualifying for accession. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members. It had been a week since Luis had been sick. As the coronavirus rages on throughout parts of the United . In memos distributed to all troops, top Pentagon leaders said the vaccine is a necessary step to maintain . 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. My fianc, my sister and her husband were strongly there for me," Ivuoma said. 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. To be sure, COVID-19 has shown to be a virus with enormous capacity to inflict damage on those with severe cases. For the militarys purposes, whether it causes irreparable lung damage could figure heavily in terms of combat readiness. Coronavirus survivors could be barred from joining the military under new Department of Defense guidelines. A defense official confirmed to CNN that the Pentagon is considering the ban on recruiting COVID-19 survivors. 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. While the Pentagon keeps secret the number of coronavirus cases in the military, data from the Defense Department indicates over 6,500 coronavirus cases at more than 150 bases in every state in the United States, except Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Montana. Nathalie Grogan and Emma Moore, Center for a New American Security There are certainly more in each of the identified categories. 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. New guidance from the US military will bar individuals who have been hospitalized by COVID-19 from enlisting, a defense official told Insider, clarifying the situation after a memo with interim guidance suggesting that anyone who at any point had the virus would be disqualified from military service surfaced online. / CBS News. Newsweek reached out to the Department of Defense for further information. Indeed, during the 1918Spanish flu, the combatants kept quiet about the virus spread for fear of discouraging their troopsand encouraging their enemies. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. The most common diagnosis was anxiety, found in 17% of those treated for Covid-19, followed by mood disorders, found in 14% of patients, CNN's Ryan Prior writes. Members of the U.S. Army walk outside the temporary hospital at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during the coronavirus pandemic on April 20, 2020 in New York City. It is unclear what would qualify a soldier for a waiver on religious grounds. 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. However, given the limited research on COVID-19, there are likely a few factors that military medical professionals are trying to hash out when it comes to recruiting survivors: Whether respiratory damage from the virus is long-lasting or permanent, and whether that can be assessed; the likelihood of recurring flare-ups, even if someone has had two consecutive negative tests; and the possibility that one bout of COVID-19 might not provide full immunity for the future, and could potentially leave someone at a higher risk to contract it again, perhaps with worse complications. It's unclear if the military will dismiss these service members once they recover from coronavirus. More than5,000 service membershave tested positive for coronavirus with mass screenings occurring at recruiting depots and bootcamp. A military recruitment memo sent out by the US Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) stated that individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to join the military even after they recover. 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 Department of Defense medical waivers are usually . Additionally, the memo lays out guidelines for handling possible and confirmed coronavirus cases in applicants. Soldiers will be allowed to come on duty and earn their pay in order to be vaccinated or to take part in separation procedures. 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. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Anyone who tests positive through a lab test or clinical diagnosis can return to MEPS 28 days after their diagnosis. 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. Three things to know about what critics are calling Mississippis Jim Mike Lindell calls DeSantis a Trojan Horse, Twitter discloses another possible government censorship effort, Legal experts say Fox News on shaky legal ground in Dominion lawsuit, Trump reigns supreme at a diminished CPAC, Judiciary Democrats go after GOP whistleblowers in FBI probes, Texas property tax bill excludes divorced, LGBTQ couples from getting relief, Manchin indicates opposition to Biden lands nominee over internal memo. 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. Do Democrats need a past superstar to hold the White House in 2024? Recruits can apply for waivers for all permanently disqualifying conditions, but without further guidance for exceptions dealing with COVID-19, a review authority would not have justification to grant a waiver, Military Times notes. If soldiers, sailors, airmen, or Marines are ill with coronavirus, the flu, or something else, it can hurt their ability to fight if needed. What started as an all-out ban evolved into barring those who had been hospitalized after contracting the virus. The Japanesedefense ministeralso expressed concerns about the handling of the outbreak, which put stress on the U.S.-Japanese alliance. 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 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations across the country will take temperatures and ask questions about symptoms and potential contact with the disease. Center for a New American Security (en-US), Constructing Regional Partnerships and Seizing Emerging Opportunities, General Mike Holmes, U.S. Air Force (Ret. 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. The U.S. military is thoughtfully innovating to meet its readiness and mission requirements. Thats what our health care professionals are looking at right now.. Editors note: In mid-May 2020, the Defense Department updated its accessions guidance, removing policy barriers to COVID-19 survivors joining the services. It sort of depends, he said. A recent memo from Military Entrance and Processing Command (MEPCOM) added to previously issued start-stop guidance from the Department of Defense relating to COVID-19. The Department of Defense remains committed to the health and safety of military members and their families. The reasons for a permanent disqualification are vague. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. >>> Whats the best way for America to reopen and return to business? Along with low-income individuals whose public-facing jobs risk exposure, minorities are overrepresented in the essential workforce.. Theres a lot of unknowns about this virus right now. Fugitive in $18 million COVID fraud scheme extradited to U.S. Energy Department report on COVID's origins rekindles ongoing debate. In the meantime, he said, the policy is to look at each recruit on a case-by-case basis. The official told the outlet the guidance is being put in place because there is. All rights reserved. If an applicant seems likely positive for the coronavirus, they can return to the MEPS if they're symptom-free after 14 days. House Republicans traded barbs over a long-shot bill to prevent the U.S. military from requiring all service members to be vaccinated for coronavirus, with Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) alleging. Download "Covid-19 and the Military: Maintaining Operations While Supporting Civil Society" 364kb. 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. The short answer is yes: The President of the United States can order members of the military to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The Army in particular struggles with annual turnover and meeting recruiting mission and accordingly introduced new tactics in the past two years including branching into urban areas; this ban undercuts these nascent but vital efforts. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. As public health experts and researchers race to find treatments, develop and vaccine and generally study the latest coronavirus, there is still a dearth of information on its short- and long-term effects. Editor's Note: This is an opinion column. "On the third day of being on oxygen, I sent a message to my fianc. ), Next Generation National Security Fellows, The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship, Joseph S. Nye, Jr. National Security Internship and Mentoring Program, 2022 CNAS National Security Conference: Security in the Balance, US waited too long to withdraw from Afghanistan, Military Analyst: U.S. However, changing standards to limit the pool of eligible recruits in ways that piggyback of structural inequities ultimately damages the force. Are there any long-term, lasting effects? Read about the most current guidance here. Update: This post has been updated to reflect the US military updated its guidance to only disqualify people who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19. December 17, 2021 / 10:13 AM / AP. 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. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. CNN . The ban may also result from limited research on COVID-19, as there's still much that's unknown about the virus, the permanence and assessment of its damage on the lungs and body, whether the virus can reemerge in those who've seemingly recovered from it, and whether prior infection makes a person more immune or susceptible to catching it again. DoD will have to meet readiness goals while hoping a vaccine will be widely available to society or at least to troops. The contents of the memo, which has been circulating on the internet, were confirmed to Newsweek by the Pentagon, which described them as "interim guidance." Do Democrats need a past superstar to hold the White House in 2024? A COVID-19 diagnosis at any point in a person's life would be "permanently disqualifying" for military service. The document says that "a reported history of confirmed COVID-19 will be annotated as 'Considered Disqualifying'" and documented on their medical report. Listen to the full conversation f View All Reports The memo sent out this week . However, medical researchers have cautioned against assuming surviving COVID-19 provides full or even partial immunity to future infections. The Navy hasn't granted any. While guidance has been updated to disqualify those who have been hospitalized, infection rates show that a blanket disqualification becomes tacitly discriminatory. 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. All of the U.S. military services have now begun disciplinary actions and discharges for troops who have refused to get the mandated coronavirus vaccine . This time of coronavirus disease 2019 is no different. A1.3: Yes, telework-ready military members, who can perform appropriate military duties remotely, may be assigned to an alternate duty location in their residence or government quarters. 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. And I think theyre almost done with that now, he said. Photos of people who died from Covid-19 are projected onto the Brooklyn Bridge in New York . 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. The Defense Department has rescinded a policy that banned recruits from enlisting in the military if they have been hospitalized for coronavirus, the Pentagon's head of manpower . 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. But the guidance has since been updated to allow recruitment of people who weren't hospitalized. Indeed, during the 1918 Spanish flu, the combatants. 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. To date, 1,978 service members have recovered. I never realized: Airbnb hosts warn of scam taking advantage of Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The updated guidance says that only those who were hospitalized following a COVID-19 diagnosis will be barred from enlisting. It is unclear if DoD plans to revise the guidance once more information is known about COVID-19. No One Knows. Paul Scharre. The story was first reported by the Military Times. If you get health care coverage through Medicaid, you might be at risk of losing that coverage over the next year . Indeed, as Americans, these tough times will likely improve the resilience of both our militaryand the nation. as well as other partner offers and accept our. May 7, 2020 / 3:48 PM An applicant who fails screening will not be tested, but can return in 14 days if they do not show COVID-19 symptoms. "I thought I was losing my vision . The Pentagon's ill-advised new "interim" recruiting policy could cause precisely the harm to service members that it seeks to avoid. A Pentagon official said this is "interim guidance" that will remain at least until more is known about the damage that the virus does to the lungs. A memo released by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command that is circulating on Twitter states that a history of COVID-19 confirmed by a laboratory test or clinical diagnosis is permanently disqualifying., During the screening process, a reported history of confirmed COVID-19 will be annotated Considered disqualifying pic.twitter.com/ZKx91AUbXo. Part-time soldiers with a pending medical or religious exemption for the vaccine may continue to train with their units and collect pay and benefits. Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. No Reserve soldiers have a medical exemption. Of course, these are just a few examples of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on U.S. military forces. Military Times says recruits can apply for waivers for all permanently disqualifying conditions, including surviving COVID-19. COVID survivors' main symptoms can linger for weeks or even months, causing pain, trouble breathing, nightmares and even organ failure. I agree that more research is needed to study the long-term effects of coronavirus on the human body. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "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. Peter researches and develops Heritages policy on weapons of mass destruction and counter proliferation. The Carter Center said he wants to spend his remaining time at home with family. One coronavirus survivor manages her medical bills in color-coded folders: green, red and tan for different types of documents. However, there are outliers such as Texas Gov. Any potential service. Nathalie Grogan and Emma Moore. A Pentagon spokeswoman confirmed toMilitary Times, which first reported on the new policy, that the memo is authentic. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. A defense official confirmed to CNN that the Pentagon is considering the ban on recruiting COVID-19 survivors. That means a full work-up by military entrance processing station doctors, with time of diagnosis, complications and recovery taken into account. 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. The Navy has also issued new COVID-19 pre-deploymentguidancefor crews getting underway, which should reduce the chances for future infections. But the fact is that the virus is having an effect on the military, too, creating challenges for national defense. This story will be updated with any response. The current widespread prevalence of the coronavirus affects these programs. Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 must wait 28 days after diagnosis before reporting to a processing station. There is no question that the coronavirus threatens the health and well-being of the force. New guidance from the US military will bar individuals who have been hospitalized by COVID-19 from enlisting, a defense official told Insider, clarifying the situation after a memo with interim. WASHINGTON (AP) Members of the U.S. military will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine beginning next month under a plan laid out by the Pentagon Monday and endorsed by President Joe Biden. But like the rest of us, the military has, and will, endure this public health crisis. As of July 1, 13% of the Army Guard and 12% of the Reserve is unvaccinated. David Lat, 45, New York. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Updated guidelines follow a 24-hour news cycle of confusion. Military leaders recently announced that all 1.3 million active duty service . As of now, Guardsmen are barred only from attending federally funded drills and other training events, which make up the bulk of their service. Those new practices include an initial screening in the recruits home state, a screening at the military entrance processing centers andthen again once they are moved to initial training facilities, with a quarantine before training begins. Among hospitalized patients, those who had COVID-19 fared considerably worse than those who had influenza, according to the analysis. Christopher Kolenda joins BBC to speak about the latest updates on the situation in Afghanistan
There is also new guidance for examining an applicant's history with the disease during the screening process. Applicants who fail screening wont be tested but can return in 14 days if they are symptom-free, Military Times reported, citing the memo.