Francis issues G.O. 12

For military members who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, some of Fort Rucker’s directives have changed.

In General Order No. 12, issued Monday, July 13, all military members who are not wearing a mask on post are subject to being asked to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

That was part of the message that Maj. Gen. David Francis and Sgt. Maj. James Wilson sent via a virtual news conference held July 13.

Francis is the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker Commanding General. Wilson is the command sergeant major of the Aviation Branch.

In a series of General Orders tailored to the ever changing COVID pandemic statistics, Francis has outlined precautionary preventive policies for soldiers regarding on- and off-post activities since the United States President declared a national state of emergency March 13, 2020.

“Due to the rising rates in the counties around us and some on Fort Rucker, we’re now implementing General Order 12,” Francis said. “The big difference is that if you are not wearing a mask, leadership will be able to ask soldiers to prove that they have not been vaccinated by showing their vaccination card.

“This measure is very important so we can nip this in the bud and continue to protect our mission, protect our people and protect the local communities,” he added.

According to G.O. No. 12, fully vaccinated personnel are not required to wear a face covering indoors or outdoors on Fort Rucker or at other Department of Defense facilities. Fully vaccinated personnel are not required to wear a face covering on/off post, unless a mask is required by a business or establishment.

Also according to the general order, a face covering will be worn by non-fully vaccinated personnel at all times on and off post.

Inquiries about vaccination status are directed towards service members only. “Unmasked, fully vaccinated service members must be prepared to show proof of vaccination such as a CDC vaccination card or other medical documentation,” the general order reads. “Supervisors may not ask unmasked civilian employees, to include Department of the Army Civilians and contractors, about vaccination status unless the supervisor has a reasonable basis to believe, based on reliable evidence, that the unmasked employee is not fully vaccinated. The unmasked civilian employees must be taken at their word unless the supervisor has good reason not to.”

Under the July 13 General Order, Fort Rucker personnel are still authorized to dine in on and off post restaurants.

“Team, we just had a fantastic Fourth of July weekend. Freedom Fest was a huge success and I know that everyone enjoyed the opportunity to be outside to enjoy the concert and fireworks,” Francis said. “But we’re not out of the woods yet.”

“Team, COVID-19 is still with us and in some cases it’s getting worse,” Wilson said. “So we’re here again asking you to follow COVID-19 mitigation measures. If you are not fully vaccinated, wear your mask, wash your hands and social distance.”

Daily status updates on operations and services on Fort Rucker are available on the post’s website and social media page. The newest updates are highlighted in red.