Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., tweeted Saturday that members of the U.S. military have contacted him saying they will 'quit' if forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The tweet, which had more than 7,000 likes by Monday, has caused controversy on Twitter as others on the platform informed Massie that members of the armed forces cannot simply "quit" the military.
Massie wrote in the tweet, "I've been contacted by members of our voluntary military who say they will quit if the COVID vaccine is mandated."
Once a member of the military reports to their first duty station, they are contractually obligated to remain within the service of the U.S. armed forces according to the Military Benefits website. Leaving without sanction or quitting is considered AWOL or absent without leave. If that military member leaves with no intent of returning, then it becomes a more serious charge of desertion.
More:Rep. Thomas Massie again votes against giving medals to police for service in Capitol riot
According to FindLaw, the maximum penalty for desertion is dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and confinement of five years.
While Massie specifically noted "voluntary military," all of the military has been voluntary since the 1970s, according to the Selective Service System.
Steve Woodsmall, a retired major in the Air Force and Democrat, responded to the tweet, writing, "As a retired Air Force officer, I’m amazed at your lack of understanding of how the military works. Stay in your lane."
Massie wrote the tweet in support of H.R. 3860, a bill he introduce to the U.S. House June 14 that would prohibit the government from requiring that members of the armed forces receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Reach Sylvia Goodman at [email protected]. Find her on Twitter at @sylviaruthg.
