FEW SOLDIERS WHO LEFT THE ARMY DUE TO THE COVID VACCINATION MANDATE ARE RETURNING
The good news for the Army is that they’re having better success getting warfighters back that left due to the COVID vaccine requirements. But the bad news is that it may not be by as much as they first announced. An error led to reports of more than 20 Soldiers rejoining after separating due to the Army COVID vaccination mandate, but the actual figure is much lower.
Soldiers Back After Separating Due to Army COVID Vaccination Rules
The Army COVID vaccination rules made things very uncomfortable for many warfighters, even leading to some of them leaving the military altogether.
Now, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order allowing troops to be rehired by their service branches.
According to the EO, “The secretaries of the military departments will invite these service members to seek reinstatement by applying to have their records corrected to reflect continued service such that back pay, benefits, bonus payments, or other compensation, subject to required offsets, will be available.”
Initially, more than 20 reservists had returned, but that turned out to be an error on the Army’s part. In actuality, there were no reservists who had reenlisted, and only three active duty Soldiers came back.
The Army released a statement on the matter, saying, “The numbers provided were Soldiers who rejoined the National Guard after the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which rescinded the COVID-19 mandate, not for Soldiers who rejoined after the EO. The Army is committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and transparency. We regret this error.”
Many who left the military following the COVID-19 vaccine mandate have either moved on or are no longer interested in serving in the American Armed Forces, posing a serious issue for those looking to re-recruit them.
It’s Still More Than the Rest of the Military
Even though only three Soldiers have come back, it’s worth noting that the Army is still faring better than the other military branches.
No one under similar circumstances has returned for any other branch, despite reaching out to those who left.
The Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy launched new websites this week to help those interested in reenlisting, and they’ve been sending emails, writing letters, and even making phone calls.
Around 8,200 troops were discharged over the COVID mandate, and since 2023, the military has been working to get them back.
There have been 113 in total that have reenlisted, but now, Trump’s EO would provide back pay. A notable change from previous efforts.
Back Pay for Troops (But There’s a Catch)
Since dropping the COVID mandate in January 2023, The Pentagon has been looking for ways to get those affected back.
Paying back pay is the latest incentive, but it’s worth noting that even those who qualify will likely receive less than they may initially expect.
Even though Trump’s EO offers back pay, the money made as a civilian will be deducted. Furthermore, other forms of compensation, including things like Veteran benefits, are also subtracted.
Furthermore, if you reenlist, you’re going to have to sign up for four years instead of two, as was previously allowed for those who were discharged for refusing a lawful order to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
How to Get Reinstated if You Left Because of the Army COVID Vaccination
Suppose you’re a service member who chose to leave the military or let their service end because of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. In that case, Trump’s EO allows you to return now.
Those who choose to be reinstated can do so without losing their rank, along with the compensation affordances listed above.
To qualify, you’re going to have to provide a written and sworn statement saying that you left voluntarily and followed the proper steps. People forced out of the military during this time are not eligible.
Just like anyone rejoining the military, they’ll still need to meet all the usual standards warfighters are required to adhere to, including health, fitness, and moral requirements.
Those eligible to rejoin due to the mandated Army COVID vaccination schedule can do so, but they need to act quickly. This opportunity to apply for reinstatement only lasts until February 28, 2026.
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