WASHINGTON (AP) Members of the U.S. military will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine beginning next month under a plan laid out by the Pentagon and endorsed by President Joe Biden . In memos distributed to all troops, top Pentagon leaders said the vaccine is a necessary step to maintain military readiness.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the mid-September deadline could be accelerated if the vaccine receives final FDA approval or infection rates continue to rise.

I will seek the presidents approval to make the vaccines mandatory no later than mid-September, or immediately upon licensure by the Food and Drug Administration whichever comes first, Austin said in his memo sent Monday, warning them to prepare for the requirement.