Essex Files: Service Members Who Left Military Over COVID Mandates: You're (Re)hired, but There's a Catch

In a move that common sense Americans are hailing as a victory for personal freedom and military readiness, the U.S. Army has begun reenlisting soldiers discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Signed just days after his inauguration, Trump’s directive demanded the rehiring of these troops—whom he called “patriots”—along with back pay for their time away. As of Monday, over 23 soldiers have rejoined the ranks, with three returning to active duty and more than 20 reentering the National Guard or Reserves. Yet, the fine print of the Pentagon’s implementation reveals a less generous reality than some might have hoped.

.@USArmy Soldiers who were separated due to COVID vaccine refusal, you're welcome to return. You can still #BeAllYouCanBe (with backpay!)

Watch this space for details. In the meantime - hit the gym!@SecDef @PeteHegseth @elonmusk @DeptofDefense @POTUS
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) February 14, 2025

For most Americans, this is a long-overdue correction to what they see as an overreach of government power under the Biden administration. The vaccine mandate, imposed by then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in August 2021, was framed as a necessity for a “healthy, ready force.” Critics, however, argued it trampled on individual rights and pushed out dedicated service members who stood by their convictions. Trump’s order aligns with a broader push to roll back what are viewed as authoritarian policies, restoring those who were, in their eyes, unjustly punished.

The numbers so far are modest but significant. The Army reports that the reenlisted soldiers—most of whom were discharged for refusing the vaccine—have signed four-year contracts and are eligible for some back pay. A smaller group, who left voluntarily to avoid the shot, can return for two years but won’t see retroactive compensation. Meanwhile, the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force are still in the early stages, launching websites and reaching out to former troops, though none have completed reenlistment yet.

The @usairforce @SpaceForceDoD put out their COVID reinstatement guidance.
I knew it was not going to be what we wanted on the first iteration, but at least they’re initiating it. I already applied to the BCMR last year- I should not have to accept these terms within 60 days,… pic.twitter.com/DMC3DYECNn
— Jordan Karr (@JordanLkarr) April 7, 2025

Trump’s promise of “back pay” was a rallying cry for his base, suggesting a full restoration of what these soldiers lost. But the Pentagon’s fine print tells a different story—one that some people might find frustratingly pragmatic. Any civilian wages, veterans’ benefits, or other payments earned during their absence will be deducted from the total. For a soldier who found decent work in the private sector, this could mean a payout far smaller than expected. It’s a practical limit, perhaps, but one that dilutes the symbolic weight of Trump’s pledge.

New Bill Promises Reinstatement, Back Pay for Service Members Who Refused COVID Jab

The policy shift also comes with a catch: a new minimum service commitment. Initially set at two years in a February memo, the requirement jumped to four years in an April 1 update from acting Undersecretary Jules Hurst III. Only those within two years of retirement at the time of discharge can opt for the shorter term. This change has sparked some grumbling among conservative circles, who see it as a bureaucratic hurdle designed to deter reenlistment. After all, roughly 8,200 troops were discharged over the mandate, yet only 113 had returned by 2023 under earlier policies that offered no back pay. The new four-year hitch might further dampen enthusiasm.

We've published updated guidance on making reinstatement available to all members of the military who were discharged solely for refusal to receive the #COVID19 vaccine and who request to be reinstated. https://t.co/FtBGnW9aT3
— USD (P&R) (@DoD_USD_PR) April 7, 2025

Interest so far is tepid. The Army has fielded inquiries from about 400 soldiers, with 100 in the application process. The Marine Corps reports 472 curious Marines, while the Navy counts just a handful of sailors asking questions. The Air Force hasn’t even tallied responses yet. Service leaders predicted this lukewarm response, suggesting many who left over the mandate were ready to move on—vaccine refusal was, for some, a convenient exit ramp from military life.

For those who do return, the process is rigorous. They’ll need to meet current fitness, health, and moral standards and provide tax records to calculate their adjusted back pay. The services will offer an estimate, giving troops 60 days to decide. It’s a far cry from a blank check, but people might argue it’s still a step toward righting a wrong. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2026—plenty of time, but a reminder that this isn’t an open-ended offer.

Looking at the big picture, this is about more than just a few dozen soldiers. It’s a signal that the military can’t afford to lose “some of our best people,” as Trump put it, over what they see as a politically driven mandate. The Pentagon dropped the requirement in January 2023, tacitly admitting it wasn’t the hill to die on. Now, with Trump at the helm, the focus is on rebuilding a force that prioritizes readiness over conformity. Whether more troops take the deal remains to be seen—but for now, the door is open, even if the paycheck isn’t quite what they hoped for.