The Department of Defense is making a nationwide push to bring back thousands of former service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. But despite the effort, only a small handful are signing back up.
According to the Army, just 23 soldiers have reenlisted so far, more than a year after the Pentagon rescinded the vaccine mandate. Of those, three have returned to active duty, while the rest opted for positions in the National Guard or Army Reserve.
The other branches—Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps—have yet to process reenlistments, but they’ve launched new websites and are sending out emails, letters, and phone calls to affected former troops, according to a recent report by the Associated Press.
A Mandate Reversed, But Not Forgotten
The COVID-19 vaccine was made mandatory for all troops in August 2021 under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. About 8,200 service members were discharged across all branches for refusing the vaccine. The Pentagon rescinded the mandate in January 2023.
In early 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the military to rehire service members discharged for refusing the vaccine, with the promise of back pay. Trump called the vaccine requirement a mistake that forced out “some of our best people.”
The Fine Print on Back Pay and Reenlistment
Despite the bold headlines, the Pentagon’s implementation has been cautious. According to official guidance, back pay will be reduced by any civilian wages, VA benefits, or separation pay received since discharge. Those hoping for a full paycheck refund may be disappointed.
Service members reenlisting must also meet current health, moral, and fitness standards—and the required service commitment has increased. While earlier guidance in February suggested a two-year obligation, a memo dated April 1 raised that to four years for most. The only exception applies to those who were within two years of retirement when they were separated.
Those who left the military voluntarily before being officially discharged for refusing the vaccine may reenlist for just two years—but they are not eligible for any back pay.
Numbers Reflect Low Interest
According to Army spokesperson Christopher Surridge, about 400 former soldiers have contacted the Army for information. Of those, around 100 are actively in the application process.
Other services are reporting similar levels of mild interest. As of early April, the Marine Corps reported 472 former Marines had expressed interest in reenlisting. The Navy cited about six inquiries, and the Air Force said it had not received any formal feedback yet.
These figures support what military leaders had predicted from the beginning: that many of those discharged over the mandate have moved on with their lives and careers.
Application Process and Deadline
Reenlisting troops must provide tax documents, verify any civilian income, and complete a detailed review of eligibility. Each applicant will receive an individualized estimate of their potential back pay, and they will have 60 days to accept the offer.
The deadline for former service members to seek reinstatement under the current policy is February 28, 2026.
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