In a significant move, President [Name] has issued an executive order reinstating service members who were discharged under the military’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The order, signed [date], reverses the effects of a controversial decision that led to the discharge of hundreds of military personnel for refusing the vaccine, which had been mandated by the Secretary of Defense in August 2021. The mandate was later rescinded on January 10, 2023.
The executive order recognizes that the vaccine mandate was an undue burden on service members and that many were discharged unfairly, particularly those who were denied exemptions they should have received. The order asserts that federal government redress for these wrongful dismissals is long overdue.
Under the new directive, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security are instructed to take all necessary steps to reinstate members of the military—both active and reserve—who were discharged solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, provided they request reinstatement. Those reinstated will be restored to their former rank and entitled to receive full back pay, benefits, and bonuses.
Additionally, any service members who voluntarily left the military or allowed their service to lapse in response to the vaccine mandate, and can attest to this in writing, will also be allowed to return to service. These individuals will do so with no impact on their service status, rank, or pay.
The order does not preclude disciplinary or administrative action for conduct that violates the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as outlined in Chapter 47 of Title 10 of the United States Code.
The President also set a 60-day timeline for the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to report their progress on implementing the order.
In a statement, the President emphasized the importance of fairness and equity in the treatment of service members, adding that this action addresses an injustice caused by the vaccine mandate. The order also clarifies that it does not create any legal right enforceable against the United States, its agencies, or employees.
This move is seen as an effort to restore trust and morale within the military by addressing grievances from service members who were discharged under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
