5 sources·Politics

DOD Reaches Out to 8,200 Discharged for COVID Vaccine Refusal, Offers Reinstatement

The DOD recontacts over 8,200 troops discharged for COVID vaccine refusal, offering reinstatement with back pay and benefits for eligible members.

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Defense officials said at the time that many troops appeared to use the vaccine mandate as a way to get out of their service obligations quickly and easily.
The Pentagon moves to take back troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusals
Boston Herald·3M
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.
Defense officials said at the time that many troops appeared to use the vaccine mandate as a way to get out of their service obligations quickly and easily.
The Pentagon moves to take back troops discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusals
Washington Times·3M
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.
The directive reflects the executive order signed by President Donald Trump a week after he took office, and it says that all service members who opt to return to the military will have to reenlist for at least two years.
Pentagon moves to take back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Military Times·3M
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The directive reflects the executive order signed by President Donald Trump a week after he took office, and it says that all service members who opt to return to the military will have to reenlist for at least two years.
Pentagon Moves to Take Back Troops Discharged Over COVID Vax Refusals
Newsmax·3M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

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Updated: Feb 16th, 2025, 11:47 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

The Defense Department has mandated military services to recontact over 8,200 discharged troops let go for refusing the COVID vaccine and offer reinstatement at previous ranks. Although initial outreach in 2023 saw only 113 reenlistments, new directives allow eligible members to return with back pay and benefits. They must meet fitness and health guidelines and respond within 60 days of receiving compensation estimates. Notably, only senior leaders can reject waiver requests, increasing flexibility for eligibility. The program to contact these service members will begin in two months, with reinstatement offers valid for one year.

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