Pentagon Vaccination Mandate for U.S. Service Members & Why We Should Welcome It
First, the military has an incredible focus on safety--and all of us have seen or heard about tragedy or job loss when the safety of self and others is ignored. One of our most focused efforts is minimizing risk. Vaccination does that. Are there risks to vaccination--yes. There are risks in all medical interventions and treatments of disease--but the risks from COVID are higher.
Second, military members all take an oath when we enter--to protect and defend against enemies--foreign and domestic. The COVID virus is a domestic enemy--it has already killed more people than we have on active duty in the Navy and AirForce. If we don’t take the lead here to guide our Nation, we will have failed to protect those citizens who count on us. It is a foreign enemy as well--all of our allies are fighting it at the same time we are.
Third, when we are vaccinated, we are protecting one another just like we would do on other battlefields of war. When we are entering a contaminated area or expect a chemical, biological or nuclear threat, we use protective equipment and insure that all our battle buddies are correctly wearing that equipment. In the battle against COVID, vaccination is one of the key protective devices.
Even with those three important reasons to be vaccinated--some people are still concerned about the vaccine so let’s get some of that out here. First, some think the vaccination was developed too quickly. We could not predict exactly when a dangerous virus would attack, but we understood there were dangerous viruses out there. With the advantages of computers and our understanding of the structure of DNA and RNA brought to the fight, researchers worked tirelessly to identify potential vaccinations. The use of mRNA in vaccines has been studied for decades, for instance – with long trials testing its safety. This meant the technique could be quickly adapted for the pandemic: https://rly.pt/2VBpUkE. In addition, laboratories can run experiments and trials in parallel, just like we break tasks into steps and know that some can be done at the same time and then brought together to accomplish the mission. These researchers know that technique also. I am grateful they worked quickly to help protect and save lives--it is the same that we do each day as we support and defend..
Second, some say vaccination should not be required--but let’s look at other requirements that are part of a national public safety effort--driver licenses, seatbelts, speed limits, and not driving under the influence. Each of them place some limits on us, but serve to help reduce risk and save lives - the exact same outcome we are seeking with vaccinations.
Third, some groups of people think they are not at risk and therefore don’t need a vaccination. Unfortunately, this virus mutates and gets stronger. That is why hospitalization and deaths are occurring among the unvaccinated population.
Finally, it is normal to have concerns or fears when we face new demands or circumstances--it is a strength of our military to adapt and overcome. It is why the world often considers us heroes. Let’s work together, get vaccinated and protect those whom we have taken our oath to defend.
They don't know what they are just yet because you are currently our lab rats and we'll watch you first. If you develope a nasty disease or symptom it will be dually noted.
Then we will gather your children and grand children and inject them even though the death rate of a child is currently at .10 of 1 % and they shouldn't need a vaccination. But we are going to do it anyway and see what happens?
No vaccine is 100 percent effective all the time, and certain people could have a higher chance of developing a serious COVID-19 case even if they're vaccinated.
So you are saying I could get very sick, it won't stop me from spreading it to others and it may not even protect me? I have had the virus twice and I know my body is protected by the Anti-bodies my own body produced and this was verified by the Red Cross.
So keep your un-tested shot because that's what it is. A vaccine is medicine that is proven to work which this is not and the tests aren't in yet on this rush to production, rush to use. This is my humble opinion and others may arrive at the same or similiar conclusions.
First…There are risks in all medical interventions and treatments of disease--but the risks from COVID are higher.
According to the CDCs website the numbers in the United States as of September 10, 2021 are as follows:
Confirmed Cases: 41,387,625
Deaths: 669,184
Percentage of people who die = 0.0161%
Equating to a survival rate of 99.984%
Influenza Numbers according to the CDC’s Website:
The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9 million and 45 million illnesses and between 12,000 and 61,000 deaths ANNUALLY since 2010.
So taking the high numbers of 45 million Confirmed Illnesses and 61,100 deaths ANNUALLY you end up with:
Confirmed Cases 45 Million (45,000,000)
Deaths: 61,100
Percentage of people who die = 0.0135%
Equating to a survival rate of: 99.986%
Difference = 0.002% more deaths due to Influenza
Based on the numbers from the CDC it would seem that the risk of dying from the flu are higher.
Second, military members all take an oath when we enter--to protect and defend against enemies--foreign and domestic.
Actually the oath says to Defend the CONSTITUTION from all enemies foreign and domestic – KEY WORD here is CONSTITUTION. No where does it mention the American public (maybe it should, but it doesn't so let's keep it in context). I, ____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Third, when we are vaccinated, we are protecting one another just like we would do on other battlefields of war.
Over 90% of those on Active Service never see a battlefield of war – most don’t even get deployed to a hostile area and those that do most of them do not see any battle and never pull a trigger. Less than 1% of all military members see actual combat. So your really not protecting one another on other battlefields of war if your not on the battlefield. Now I know people will say you don't actually have to be on the battlefield to protect one another - yeah, you do - making sure my pay goes in each pay period, or MRE's are sent forward, or sitting is a cushy pentagon office chair is not protecting me on the battlefield, being right next to me in the foxhole taking fire alongside me and providing cover fire is protecting me (this is just an example).
- https://inss.ndu.edu/Media/News/Article/2145282/ready-or-not-regaining-military-readiness-during-covid19/
- https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/11/02/ops-readiness-concerns-loom-over-militarys-covid-19-vaccination-deadlines/
- https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/04/22/covid-19-and-military-readiness-preparing-for-the-long-game/
- https://mwi.usma.edu/us-army-readiness-from-covid-19-to-the-crises-of-tomorrow/
https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column_article/how-will-covid-19-impact-u-s-military-readiness
- http://euromil.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-Military-Readiness.pdf
- https://www.rand.org/topics/operational-readiness.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7537208/ (*** This language from this paper was striking: "...The perceived need for military contributions to manage the COVID‐19 outbreak was boosted by the militarization of the crisis situation. Indeed, the COVID‐19 crisis was rapidly militarized as it spread around the globe. Political leaders adopted and embraced the metaphor of war in their speeches to emphasize the gravity of the situation and legitimize their far‐reaching decisions. New York's governor Cuomo, for instance, stated that ‘[t]his is a war, we have to treat it like a war’ (Walters, 2020). French president Macron also declared “war” on the virus before announcing a military‐style operation (i.e. Operation Resilience) (“Macron launches army Operation”, 2020). A BBC‐article summarized it nicely by stating: “Healthcare workers are on the frontlines, scientists are the new generals, economists draw up battle plans, politicians call for mobilization” (Bernhard, 2020)...." So, why was it striking IMHO? Simple, when civilian leaders use the "...language of war..." without themselves ever having taken up the uniform in service to their country and they attempt to leverage the rhetoric of war for political gain, such language can actually help lose the war they think they are fighting, precisely because they are ill prepared and improperly trained to prosecute such when they are only adorned with "...the words of the warrior..." without such experience. Our nation has declared "...a war on drugs...", "...a war on poverty...", "...a war on injustice...", etc. and still, we have these scourges on the complexion of our society. Why? Oh, the paper closes with these words "... it remains crucial to work together with civilian counterparts to ensure protection of civilian control and civil rights, and collectively pursue goals that have been identified by civilian authorities." It is the wording "...civil rights..." that is interesting here.
A brief scan of these articles also indicates that "military readiness" is the Scouting Motto "Be Prepared" personified! My specialty, degree, and training are in "Preventive Medicine / Operational Public Health" and my military / post-military career is and has been involved in explaining the role "prevention" plays in preparedness (i.e. readiness). I am > 65 and fully vaccinated. Our role as military men and women is to follow orders, but not blindly. We have a duty to question with "...all due respect..." expecting our leaders to tell us "...the truth..." without spin and "...on balance...".
Personally, as I stated then and restate now the Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, was right to speak to the impact rampant COVID infection was having on the military readiness of this powerful emblem of American resolve. Yet, there were those who did not understand his unique perspective and DUTY to those he was leading and those he SWORE to "...preserve, protect, and defend against ALL enemies both foreign and domestic...". How quickly some forget those words and the gravity that possesses who have willingly "...without mental reservation or purpose of evasion..." have repeated these words.
Also, like some, people when provided HONEST and COMPLETE information, have a choice to make for their own health. There is a HUGE difference in BULLYING people into compliance and appealing to there better angles when one has the courage to be forthright. Following "...just orders..." for the greater good even when you don't understand everything at stake is all about - trust. I get it, TRUST, of our leaders is at a premium, especially in today's politically charged environment where every opportunity is "...weaponized..." because the real bullies are those who cannot see either the forest or the trees. I have been their and know that issue of not trusting leaders - ALL TO WELL!!! When you don't trust your leadership, you are compromised on so many levels!!! Just saying.........
Next, I want to thank LT Charles Baird for his comments regarding Flu vs COVID and the important "data" he laid out. Plus allow me to clarify something. Regardless if you the < 10% deployed to a combat zone or the 90% that are not ALL have a mutual responsibility to protect each outer. If the supply department is not able to get "...beans and bullets and bandages..." to the "1%" who are "...seeing and living the hell of the combat environment..." because their mission is compromised due to trained supply chain personnel being unable to perform their assigned duties because of illness, then those men and women on the frontline - DIE!!! And that is a reality this Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman is ALL TO AWARE OF!!!
Finally, full disclosure, I know MG Gale Pollock. A fine lady and excellent general officer with war zone experience. For those commenting about her status as a nurse and her qualifications to comment, unless you have a special insight into her skills or background that I do not, please be careful with your comments that, when read on the surface (i.e. at 1st blush), seem to be calling her integrity as a medical professional into account because she is choosing to comment on this important issue for the greater good.
In closing, my wife, also USN Retired in her 70s commented, "I am not going to get a 4 or 5th 'booster' shot. I got the two and a booster." She also gets the flu shot each year! She, like MG Pollack, is also a nurse!!! In other words, create an annual "flu shot" type process and let's move on. BTW the rate of annual flu shots is interesting to note, especially when juxtaposed to the comments of Navy Lt. Baird {https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/flu-vaccination-rate/ (or) https://www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview/index.htm}.
Just some humble comments...
Ready or Not: Regaining Military Readiness during COVID19
The COVID19 pandemic has critically shaken the health, civil society, and economic security of the United States. It also has tested the readiness management processes of the U.S. Defense Department.
Federal Government’s Shameful Record of Failures in Battling COVID-19
HHS' failures with regard to COVID-19, a GAO report says, include failing to clarify the roles and responsibilities of its agencies.
If I am reading this right: The guy that made COVID has been leading us through how to survive it, and now is advising our top leaders to trust his friends in companies he has financial ties to force all of us to use their product to fight the disease he made?
Wuhan lab documents show Fauci ‘untruthful’ about gain-of-function research: critics
Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University, said the documents made it clear Dr. Fauci had been “untruthful” about gain-of-function research.
2. All of the evidence shows that the vaccines saved exponentially more lives than they harmed.
3. Basically all medical interventions result in people who are dead or have severe health problems. People die from Tylenol.
*****
Insurance companies have a strong financial incentive for their customers live longer and not get sick. There's a reason they are all willing to pay, to give anyone with their insurance a free Covid vaccine.
It's like they say - follow the money.