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Marine Corps Voids COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

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As of mid-January 2023, the United States Marine Corps has rescinded the requirement that all active and reserve service members receive the COVID-19 vaccination. 

Below are noteworthy points as provided by the MARADMIN:

Pending requests and appeals of denials for religious accommodation for the COVID-19 vaccine “will be closed without action,” according to the Marine Corps. All pending requests for religious accommodation for the COVID-19 vaccine and other mandatory vaccines, as well as appeals of denied requests, will be sent back to the requester with three options: (1) withdraw the request or appeal, (2) provide additional information for consideration, or (3) continue processing as originally submitted.

Regarding Separations

Enlisted administrative separation cases for Marines who requested an administrative exemption, medical exemption, or religious accommodation will be terminated and a memorandum for the record will be added to the Command Legal Action module in Marine Online. Adverse material related to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement will not be included in the Marine’s official military personnel file. For officers, HQMC will close Officer Disciplinary Notebook cases and notify the officers. Adverse material will not be placed in officers’ OMPFs. Manpower Management will identify officers who have been held past their end of active service date and establish new EAS dates if no other reason for personnel hold exists. Marines who are otherwise eligible may request voluntary retirement or resignation, or transition into the Reserve Component.

Regarding Promotions

Enlisted Marines whose promotions were restricted and who submitted a request for an administrative exemption, medical exemption, or religious accommodation will have the “not recommended” for promotion removed from their evaluation system, and if they are otherwise qualified for promotion, commanders will submit a remedial promotion request. Staff noncommissioned officers whose promotions were delayed may be eligible for delivery of promotion by following certain procedures. Officers whose promotions were delayed or withheld will be notified of their opportunity to submit matters through the chain of command.

Regarding Retention

Enlisted Marines who submitted a request for an administrative exemption, medical exemption, or religious accommodation are no longer restricted to a 12-month extension, and officers who have not had the opportunity to screen for career designation may request to have a new end of active service date established.

Regarding Assignments

Marines may execute a permanent change of station and permanent change of assignment orders, as well as other official travel and transfer between Reserve Component categories. Marines who were screened by a Marine Corps non-statutory assignment board but were not able to execute orders may screen on future boards as long as they meet all eligibility requirements.

Regarding Record Administration

An audit will be conducted to search for adverse information in the OMPFs of all currently serving members who requested religious accommodations to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and adverse matters will be removed as necessary. Marines who submitted requests for a medical or administrative exemption may request the removal of adverse material from their OMPF, and separated Marines may petition the Board for Corrections of Naval Records to request the removal of adverse matters. Commands shall remove CIRRAS entries for Marines if related solely to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Regarding Reaccessions

Separated Marines who meet all other eligibility requirements may submit a request to affiliate with the appropriate Reserve Component or an Active Component recruiter.

Call The Devil Dog Defender Today

While the information contained within the MARADMIN is fairly straightforward, the process has yet to play out completely. Therefore, it is highly encouraged that you consult with an appropriate military defense attorney who can help you navigate these uncharted legal waters relating to a reversal of the COVID-19 vaccination situation in the United States Marine Corps. For more information on this matter and to consult with attorney Mr. Aden Wilkie, please contact our office at 910-333-9626 or through our website at www.thewilkielawgroup.com.

Hire The Best

It is crucial for you to have an experienced criminal defense and military attorney on your side. Contact us today at 910-333-9626 for a consultation and decide for yourself if The Wilkie Law Group is the best choice for you.

Jacksonville, NC Military & Criminal Defense Attorney