Officials announced Monday that the Army had rehired more than 23 soldiers discharged because they refused to take the COVID-19 vaccination. They were rushing to comply with President Donald Trump’s directive for troops to be rehired and receive back pay.
The Army reported that three people returned to active duty Army service and over 20 others went back to either the National Guard Reserve. The Army reported that the soldiers had signed contracts, been sworn in, and were reporting to active duty units.
All other services are still re-enlisting former soldiers, even though they have not yet completed the process. Marine Corps, Air Force Army, and Navy launched new websites Monday to help service members who are looking to reenlist. They are also sending emails, letters, and phone calls to discharged service members.
Trump has claimed that the mandate on vaccines pushed troops away and that many of them would return. Trump stated in an executive order he signed one week after taking office that the vaccine mandate had cost the military some of its best people. He also promised to “rehire each patriot who has been fired from the service with backpay.”
Trump’s plan may have attracted some people by offering back pay, but they will probably get less money in the end than what they thought. According to the Pentagon’s offer, all wages received during the time they were civilians will be deducted along with any other payments.
In August 2021, the Pentagon will make the COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserve. Lloyd Austin, then-defense secretary, said that the vaccination was essential to maintain a fit and ready force. The Pentagon dropped this mandate in January of 2023.
Initial reenlistments came as the Pentagon increased last week the minimum service commitment for those discharged due to refusing to obey a legal order to take the vaccination from two years to four.
A memo sent on Feb. 7 to the secretaries for the military services stated that troops must sign up for a minimum of two years. A memo signed by Jules Hurst III on April 1, who is the Defense Undersecretary for Personnel, stated that “reinstatement would not be granted to those who were unwilling or unable return to active service, or active status as applicable, within four years.”
The Army stated that the majority of soldiers who reenlisted had been ordered out because they refused the shot and signed up for four years. The soldiers will receive some back pay. Some, however, left the Army to avoid being shot. They are allowed to reenlist and won’t get any back pay.
The new memo states that there is an exemption for those who were eligible to retire within two years after their discharge date. These service members can also reenlist and serve for a minimum of two years.
Approximately 8,200 soldiers were discharged because they refused to comply with the vaccination order. Since 2023, they have been allowed to rejoin but without any payback. Only 113 people reenlisted.
For several weeks, the Army and Marine Corps have been sending emails, text messages, and phone calls to their service members. The Navy and Air Force were waiting for additional guidance.
Christopher Surridge, spokesman for the Army, said that so far, 400 soldiers have inquired about the program. About 100 of those are currently in the application stage. The Army didn’t have any estimates of how much total back pay it had given to the soldiers.
By Friday, 472 marines had expressed an interest in returning. The Navy reported that about half a dozen sailors have expressed an interest in returning or asked for more information. Meanwhile, the Air Force has not received any feedback yet from service members.
The low interest is a reflection of what leaders in the military said at first, namely that many troops have used the vaccine to justify their departure and moved on.
The amount of back pay that is available to those who qualify could include their basic salary, bonuses, cost-of living allowances, and certain health benefits. This total will be reduced if you have earned any wages, veterans’ benefits, separation payment, debts, or other amounts during this time.
As part of the application process, service members will be required to submit verified tax records as well as other documentation.
The memo states that the service must estimate the amount of back pay each individual will receive. The service members will have 60 days in which to decide if they want to re-enlist.
Re-enlistment is only possible if you meet the military’s standards for health, fitness, and morals. Reinstatement is possible until February 28, 2026.
