The Pentagon last month quietly updated its policy to require unmasked service members to show proof of their vaccination status with a vaccination card or other medical documentation.

The Pentagon issued the new guidance on June 22, 2021, via a memo from Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Virginia Penrod.

“Unmasked, fully vaccinated Service members should be prepared to show proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or other medical documentation),” the memo said, but did not specify to whom unmasked troops have to show proof of vaccination.

The memo also said supervisors could inquire about or verify the vaccination status of unmasked Department of Defense civilian employees “if the supervisor has a reasonable basis to believe the unmasked employee has not been fully vaccinated, basis on reliable evidence such as firsthand knowledge of voluntary employee statements.”