Few Discharged Troops Return After Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine

WASHINGTON — Approximately 650 Marines and Army soldiers dismissed for declining the COVID-19 vaccine have indicated a desire to return to the military, according to recent reports.
The development follows a directive from former President Donald Trump offering opportunities for these individuals to rejoin the service, appealing also with the potential of receiving back pay.

These 650 individuals account for around 8% of the 8,200 service members previously discharged due to their refusal to comply with the vaccination mandate. Military authorities suggest that this reflects a broader trend that many former troops might have moved on to other pursuits. Although recruitment reopened in 2023, the prospect of back pay included in Trump’s offer could be an additional draw for those still considering reenlistment.

In an effort to reengage former service members, the Army and Marine Corps have been reaching out through emails, texts, and calls. Meanwhile, the Navy and Air Force are preparing to initiate similar contact campaigns but are awaiting further directives. The potential number of interested troops may grow once their outreach programs are fully operational.

Officials emphasize that these numbers remain speculative as candidates have merely expressed interest without formally beginning the reenlistment process. To return, candidates must complete recruit procedures again, meet all legal, ethical, and physical fitness requirements, and commit to a minimum two-year reenlistment.

Trump has maintained that the vaccine mandate led to the dismissal of valuable service members and has expressed confidence in their willingness to return. His executive order, issued shortly after assuming office, highlighted the loss of “some of our best people” and pledged to reinstate them alongside financial compensation.

The order also permits voluntary return of those who left the military to avoid the vaccine, provided they confirm their reason for leaving. However, these individuals would not be eligible for back pay.

Two years prior, the military notified discharged troops about the option to reenlist, resulting in the return of only 113 individuals. Of those, 25 were Marines, 73 were Army soldiers, two were sailors, and 13 were airmen.

In February, the Defense Department instructed military branches to again reach out to those affected by the COVID-19 vaccine requirement, this time introducing the added incentive of financial restitution for eligible individuals.

The Marine Corps initiated a dedicated campaign, leading to 553 responses by Wednesday, per spokesman Jim Edwards. Of these, 455 have demonstrated interest or sought further information, whereas 98 expressed no interest.

Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler revealed that more than half of the 1,900 discharged soldiers have been contacted, with approximately 200 showing interest in returning.

“The Army has been diligent in contacting those discharged due to COVID following the Executive Order,” Butler noted. “We utilize every possible channel — contact details, social media, and even a hotline for inquiries.”

Currently, the Navy and Air Force await specific procedural guidance but plan to compile interested individuals’ information for processing back pay details and reenlistment steps.

In August 2021, the Pentagon mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all service members, including National Guard and Reserve units, under then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The mandate was deemed essential for maintaining a battle-ready force capable of national defense. The requirement was subsequently revoked in January 2023.