Rep. Thomas Massie is getting a lesson in military protocol after insinuating members of the military can simply quit if they don’t want to get a COVID vaccine. Massie, who in June said he wouldn’t receive the vaccine until there’s more “data” tweeted:

I’ve been contacted by members of our voluntary military who say they will quit if the COVID vaccine is mandated. I introduced HR 3860 to prohibit any mandatory requirement that a member of the Armed Forces receive a vaccination against COVID-19. It now has 24 sponsors.

The Kentucky Congressman received instant backlash, including from people like fellow Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, who is actually a member of the military and knows the protocol.

So much wrong with this tweet even beyond how naive it is; 1) sorry, but you can’t quit the military. 2) there are about 3890 mandatory vaccines in the military already, 3) you knew this when you joined. 4) THE VACCINE WORKS. Good luck with your pandering though https://t.co/tVJ8RJ9EXL

— Adam Kinzinger (@AdamKinzinger) July 5, 2021

Retired Air Force Major, Dr. Steve Woodsmall wrote, “As a retired Air Force officer, I’m amazed at your lack of understanding of how the military works. Stay in your lane.”

Many people have pointed out that what Massie is suggesting is actually called going AWOL.

Kind of weird people like Thomas Massie who get rabid when athletes kneel at sports games are ok with active duty military deciding to quit and go AWOL because they don't like an order.

— mmmm…bRisket (@LosBilbilocos) July 5, 2021

Thomas Massie pretending soldiers can "quit" if they don't like what they're ordered to do.

"OK, troops, we've just learned we'll be deployed into a combat zone next week."

"Well, I don't like the sound of that! I quit!" https://t.co/Rti2d5Z68z

— James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) July 5, 2021

This isn’t the first time Massie has courted controversy during the COVID pandemic. Earlier this year he also co-sponsored the so-called “Fire Fauci Act,” alongside Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.