Nov. 16, 2021 Secretary of Defense has authority to order mandatory COVID-19 shots The Secretary of Defense has the authority needed to order all members of the military – including the National Guard – to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, said Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby.
Sept. 28, 2021 DOD Will Continue to Defend U.S. if Government Shuts Down Congress has until Sept. 30 to pass an appropriations bill before government funding lapses, triggering a partial shutdown.