Marines Commander Did Not Say No Mandatory Vaccines For My Troops
The Claim
General David H. Berger, who commands the Marine Corps, told the defense secretary that he would not impose a vaccine mandate upon his troops.
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Emerging story
In recent days, a number of people on social media have been sharing an image and article about the current commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, General David H. Berger. This article and image state that General Berger has adamantly refused to implement a vaccine mandate for the people under his command.
These social media posts have gained hundreds and, in at least one instance, thousands of interactions within hours of being posted. The article that makes this claim has gained over 282,600 views within three days of appearing online, according to the site’s own metrics.
Misbar’s Analysis
General David H. Berger did not make the statement that is being shared online. The about page of the website that first made this claim states that it contains humor, parody, and satire. Instead of opposing coronavirus vaccines, General Berger has assisted with the vaccination effort. In April, General Berger made a statement to the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee in which he said that the Marine Corps was establishing vaccination sites within local communities. He also stated that Marines were administering vaccination shots to individuals due to a vaccinator shortage.
Additionally, Berger received a coronavirus vaccine on December 22, 2020. He shared a picture of himself receiving the vaccine to social media and encouraged all Marines and their families to get vaccinated once they could.
