This controversy surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine mandates
led to thousands of active servicemembers who refused the shots to be discharged. The lack of interest in rejoining the military among those discharged lingers even after the Army scrapped the mandates in February 2023.
The letter warns that the armed forces, already struggling to meet recruitment goals, may face long-term consequences. (Related:
U.S. military facing recruitment shortages, with most potential service members DISQUALIFIED.)
Former Army public health officer Mark Bashaw, who faced disciplinary action for opposing the mandate, spoke of the potential negative effects on the leadership dynamics in the military.
“One of the main impacts is a high concentration of yes-men and women within command authority and leadership positions, willing to do anything to please their bosses and their ‘careers,’ while willfully ignoring what is lawful, legal, moral, and ethical,” Bashaw said.
Lt. Col. Carolyn Rocco, an active-duty investigator for the U.S. Air Force, echoed these concerns in an email to Life Site News. She even emphasized the danger of having a squad dominated by people who refrain from providing feedback or criticism.
"The religious and conscientious service members who saw the legal, medical, moral, religious and ethical problems surrounding the vax mandate were the ones who spoke up. By removing them from service, what is left is a population who will likely continue to ‘go along to get along,’ and that can result in a weakened national defense, which directly impacts everyone, not just those affiliated with the military," Rocco wrote.
"We see you. We hear you. There is no going back to how things used to be. Now is the time to act if we [have] any desire to save this country."
Meanwhile, the open letter signatories predict that the ripple effects of these mandates will extend to the political arena, with people within their network running for Congress or seeking appointments to executive branch offices. Their objective is to actively address what they perceive as violations of law and ethics by pursuing military punishments or legislative resolutions.
They stressed that their efforts are not just directed at the DoD but serve as a broader message to all Americans.