Pentagon orders troops to get COVID-19 vaccine immediately

The Pentagon on Wednesday ordered military troops to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, according to a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin obtained by AP.

Why it matters: Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that "on the active duty force, 68% is fully vaccinated, and we estimate just over 76% have at least one dose."

Here are figures Kirby provided, by branch:

Army: 40% fully vaccinated with 57% with one dose.

Marine Corps: 53% fully vaccinated, 60% with one dose. 

Navy: 73% fully vaccinated, 79% with at least one dose. 

Air Force, which includes Space Force: 57% fully vaccinated, 64% with one dose.

State of play: Although he didn't set an official deadline for vaccinations in the memo, Austin encouraged service leaders to “impose ambitious timelines for implementation," per AP.