More than 100 Marines have been kicked out of the branch over their refusal to comply with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
The Marine Corps announced Thursday that 103 members had been discharged following other branches of the U.S. armed forces taking action against those who defied a vaccination order.
"The Marine Corps recognizes COVID-19 as a readiness issue," said Maj. Jim Stenger, a spokesman for the Marine Corps.
"The speed with which the disease transmits among individuals has increased risk to our Marines and the Marine Corps's mission," Stenger said. "We are confident the vaccine protects our Marines, our communities, and the nation."
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Air Force discharged 27 people for refusing to get the vaccine. Separately, on Thursday, the Army said "commanders have relieved a total of six active-duty leaders, including two battalion commanders, and issued 2,767 general officer written reprimands to Soldiers for refusing the vaccination order."
Active-duty members of the Navy and Marine Corps were given a deadline of Nov. 28 to get vaccinated, while reserves were given a deadline of Dec. 28. Active-duty soldiers in the Army were given a deadline of Dec. 15, while the Army National Guard and Army Reserve members were given a Jun. 30 deadline to get vaccinated.
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Stenger told Axios that while the Marine Corps has received 3,144 requests for religious accommodation in relation to the vaccination order, none have been approved as of Thursday. The report also cited military data indicating that 95% of Marine Corps personnel have received at least one vaccine dose, the lowest among all the branches.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Marine Corps for a statement.