Since the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine mandates by the Pentagon in 2021, a cloud of coercion has hovered over numerous individuals serving in the US military. Recent insights from a survey conducted by the Epoch Times have shed light on the prevalent sense of pressure and intimidation experienced by military personnel regarding vaccination.
The survey, inclusive of members from all military branches, uncovered troubling statistics. Over 70% of respondents expressed feeling coerced into receiving COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. This coercion, they asserted, escalated post-mandate issuance, fostering an atmosphere of apprehension and doubt among military ranks.

Survey Findings Lay Bare the Issue
Among the 229 participants, a substantial majority were active-duty service members, averaging around 16 years of service. Astonishingly, 87% of respondents remained unvaccinated against COVID-19, with only two among the vaccinated minority stating their willingness to receive the vaccine.
The repercussions for refusing vaccination were severe for many. Instances of verbal threats of punitive legal actions, missed promotion opportunities, and exclusion from career-enhancing programs were reported by nearly 95% of those opposing the mandate. Additionally, close to half of the respondents alleged suffering financial setbacks due to noncompliance.
One Army veteran, boasting 20 years of service, shared his ordeal of feeling compelled to get vaccinated despite personal objections. He recounted being mandated to wear a mask and facing the threat of deployment unless he complied. Such coercive measures, he contended, left him with no recourse but to submit to vaccination, despite his health concerns.
Similar sentiments were echoed by others, citing a lack of transparency regarding potential adverse effects of the vaccines. Many claimed they weren’t adequately informed of known risks, including reproductive health issues and increased heart disease risks.
Demand for Accountability
Calls for accountability reverberated among survey participants, with all 229 individuals concurring that Department of Defense (DOD) leaders should be held accountable for mandate enforcement. While the mandate’s rescission in January 2023 was seen as a positive step, it was deemed insufficient to rectify the damage inflicted.
As discussions surrounding vaccination mandates persist, the experiences of military personnel underscore the significance of respecting individual autonomy and informed consent. Coercion, in any form, has no place in matters of personal health decisions, particularly within the ranks of those serving our nation. It’s imperative that concerns raised by servicemen and women are transparently addressed, and measures are taken to ensure such coercion never recurs.