Unvaccinated Okla. Air National Guardsmen Prohibited From Participating In Future Drills

Unvaccinated members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard without a medical or religious exemption will be prohibited from participating in drills according to a statement issued by Brigadier General Thomas H. Mancino on Thursday.

In the statement, Brig. Gen. Mancino says he fully supports Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's authority over the National Guard when not federalized, however, he states that the extent of Governor Stitt's authority is a legal question.

Brig. Gen. Mancino said that the Governor Concurs with his decision.

"Above all else, we are a country governed by the rule of law. We may challenge policies in court, but it is our duty to follow a ruling once made," said Brig. Gen Mancino.

The news comes after a federal judge declined to prevent the mandate from taking effect on Wednesday.

The policy currently only applies to Air National Guard, as the deadline for Army National Guard Soldiers to be vaccinated is not until the summer.