Lolita C. Baldor - The Associated Press

“We’re trying to get to a place where we have Arctic capable forces — forces that can survive and operate in that environment," said Army Secretary Christine Wormuth.

Military troops must immediately begin to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a memo Wednesday, ordering service leaders to “impose ambitious timelines for implementation.”

Members of the U.S. military would be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Sept. 15, under a plan announced by the Pentagon Monday and endorsed by President Joe Biden.