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(CNN) -
The Air Force fired 27 service members for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told CNN on Monday, making these likely the first soldiers to be removed from the Army for not obeying the vaccination mandate.
The soldiers were separated from the Force for not following the legal order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Stefanek said.
The Air Force had the earliest deadline for vaccination, requiring its service members to be fully vaccinated by November 2.
Members of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard had until December 2.
Stefanek said it is unclear if any of the 27 service members were Space Force Guardians.
All of the members were in their early enlistments and had served less than six years, so their requests for vaccine exemptions did not make it to a board, Stefanek said.
The Air Force had already recalled 37 people who refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during basic training, Stefanek said, making those entry-level separations.
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Covid vaccines for soldiers
Last week, the Air Force laid out its covid-19 policy, making it clear that service members who refuse to obey the legal order to be vaccinated will face disciplinary action, including discharge from service without payment of involuntary separation.
"For those who refused to obey a legal order to receive the covid-19 vaccine, commanders will continue to take appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions in accordance with law and Air Force Department policy," the Force said Air in a statement.
Additionally, service members discharged for refusing to receive the vaccine may be required to refund any unearned special payments or incentives.
As of last week, the Air Force had partially or fully vaccinated 97.3% of its active duty force and approximately 92% of both its air guard and its reserve force.
The Air Force has 7,365 unvaccinated military personnel;
many of those cases are pending religious exemption applications.
The Air Force has granted 1,080 medical exemptions and 161 administrative exemptions to active duty service members.
According to the most recent data, 1,060 members of the Air Force have refused to be vaccinated, so more layoffs are expected.
Coronavirus vaccine