WASHINGTON – Nearly a year after Congress forced the Pentagon to rescind its mandate requiring all troops to receive the coronavirus vaccine, 19 soldiers have rejoined the Army after being discharged for refusing the vaccine, according to reports. The Post learned exclusively.
The news comes after the service sent a letter earlier this month inviting former soldiers who declined the vaccine to apply to reenlist as the military faces recruiting challenges.
Last week, the service notified soldiers with vaccine-related discharges that they could contact their local recruiting office for information on how to reapply for the Army.
“As part of the overall COVID mandate rescission process ordered by Congress, the Army this month sent the letters to approximately 1,900 individuals who had previously been separated,” Army spokesperson Bryce Dubee told The Post.
Those who refused the vaccine and did not receive an exemption were expelled from the military for violating a legal order.
In the Army alone, 1,903 soldiers were discharged under these conditions.
The Army has invited soldiers discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine to reapply to join the military. US National Guard/ZUMA Wire/ZUMAPRESS.com
But now that the mandate has been rescinded, the military is welcoming unvaccinated soldiers, as long as they meet certain requirements.
While The Post could not find a clear list of standards for acceptance back into service, defense officials say applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis.
For example, a soldier who quietly and politely refused the vaccine is more likely to be allowed to return to the ranks than one who became openly defiant and acted against his superiors.
Although only 19 of the 1,903 discharged soldiers have returned to active duty, the Army expects that number to increase after the letter’s circulation.
Nineteen unvaccinated soldiers have returned to active duty out of 1,903 who were discharged for refusing the vaccine. US FORCES KOREA/AFP via Getty Im
The letter also reminded former soldiers that they can request to have their service record corrected if their discharge or disqualification was “wrongful or unfair,” according to the Army Review Boards Agency.
In fiscal year 2023, which ended Sept. 30, the Army fell short of its goal of 65,000 recruits per 10,000 new soldiers.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn