Despite federal Judge Steven Merryday ordering each branch of the military to file a detailed report every 14 days beginning on January 7, since religious accommodations have not been granted from the COVID-19 shot, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin continues to threaten to withhold funding for payment of duties.

The deadline to be vaccinated for Air Force Reserve was December 2 and Air National Guard is December 31. However, individual commanders are imposing their own “earlier” deadlines.

Austin sent a memorandum on November 30 directed at members of the National Guard and the Ready Reserve that stated: “No Department of Defense funding may be allocated for payment of duties performed under title 32 for members of the National Guard who do not comply with Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccination requirements…No credit or excused absence shall be afforded to members who do not participate in drills, training, or other duty due to failure to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”