Fort Jackson recently announced General Order #2 to help fight the COVID-19 Delta variant. Theses measures include changes to guests visiting Basic Combat Training graduations (Robert Timmons)
Leader Staff Reports
Out of an abundance of caution Fort Jackson officials announced the post’s transition to Health Protection Condition Bravo in General Order #2 to better tackle the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
The transition to a higher HPCON increases restrictions on leave and passes, and Basic Combat Training graduations.
Despite all force protection efforts the Delta variant is spreading rapidly causing the changes.
Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, Fort Jackson commander said, “Safeguarding the health and wellness of our future Soldiers, our civilian workforce, permanent party Soldiers, and their Families are the guiding principles behind every decision we make to curb the spread of the virus.”
Vaccinated and unvaccinated guests will be invited to the 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment graduation Aug. 19, but interactions between Family members and Soldiers will be limited and Soldiers will be transported to Advanced Individual Training by government procured transportation only.
Only fully vaccinated guests will be invited to attend the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment graduation Aug. 26. Graduating Soldiers will only ship to Advanced Individual Training by government procured transportation.
“We understand and empathize with your frustration and disappointment over changes or cancellations these measures will cause,” Michaelis said. “However, nothing is more important than preserving life and fulfilling our critical mission requirements to ensure Army readiness.”
Fort Jackson will continue to live stream graduation for Families and friends who are not able to attend in-person graduation.
General Order #2 also impacts unvaccinated permanent party Soldiers as leave and pass approval beyond 50 miles resides at the O-6/brigade commander/commandant lever. Leave and pass approval for vaccinated personnel is in accordance with previously published approval guidance. Department of Defense Educational Activity schools will open at 100% capacity while social distancing and mask wear will be mandatory for both on post schools.
The post will continue to make adjustments to health protection as conditions allow.
To read the full text of General Order #2 visit: https://home.army.mil/jackson/index.php/about/COVID-19-Prevention-and-Updates