Pentagon Announces Review of COVID-19 Vaccine Discharges
Washington | Dec. 15, 2025
The Department of Defense has launched a comprehensive review of military personnel records for service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement on Monday.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has instructed all military departments to proactively examine cases involving service members who were involuntarily separated solely because they did not comply with the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Where appropriate, the departments will upgrade discharge characterizations.
Thousands Eligible for Discharge Review
Under the previous administration, the Department of Defense discharged about 8,700 service members for failing to meet the vaccine requirement. Among them, more than 3,000 individuals received less than honorable discharges.
Military departments must complete their reviews within one calendar year. Former service members do not need to submit applications, as the Department will conduct the reviews independently.
Veterans Can Seek Additional Relief
Service members or veterans who believe their records contain errors or injustices may apply for correction through the military review boards. Information on the process is available on the official military review boards website.
Reinstatement Opportunity Open Until April 2026
The Department also expressed its intention to welcome eligible former service members back into the military. Those interested in reinstatement have until April 1, 2026, to apply. Additional details are available on the Department of Defense reinstatement information page.
Commitment to Restoring Trust
The Pentagon reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all service members who deserve fully honorable discharges receive them. Officials said the initiative reflects a broader effort to correct past mistakes, restore trust, and uphold the honor of the U.S. armed forces.
Copies of the “Restoring Honor to Service Members Separated Under the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Mandate” memorandum and the accompanying guidance document are available through official Department channels.
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