Hegseth ordered more strict grooming and fitness standards and less training on subjects like the Privacy Act, cybersecurity and controlled information.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine may be an acceptable option for some of the service members who have sought religious exemptions from the mandatory vaccine.
A dozen Air Force officers, along with a handful of airmen and reservists, filed a lawsuit in February after their religious exemption requests were denied.
A dozen Air Force officers have filed a lawsuit against the federal government after the military denied their religious exemptions to the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine.
The order from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia marks the first time a court has barred the Air Force from enforcing its mandate for a service member.