WASHINGTON – Nearly a year after Congress forced the Pentagon to rescind its mandate requiring all troops to receive a coronavirus vaccine, 19 soldiers have rejoined the Army after they were discharged for refusing to fire, The Post has learned exclusively.
The news comes after the mail service earlier this month invited former soldiers who rejected the jab to apply to rejoin as the military faces recruitment challenges.
Last week, the service told soldiers on vaccine-related discharges that they can contact their local recruiting office for information about reapplying to the Army.
“As part of the overall congressionally mandated COVID revocation process, the Army this month sent the letters to approximately 1,900 individuals who had previously been separated,” Army spokesman Bryce Dubee told The Post.
Those who refused vaccinations and did not receive exemptions were dismissed from the army for violating valid orders.
In the Army alone, 1,903 soldiers were discharged in such circumstances.
The Army has invited soldiers who were dismissed for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to re-apply to join the army. US National Guard/ZUMA Wire/ZUMAPRESS.com
But now that the mandate has been lifted, the Army is welcoming back unvaccinated troops — as long as they meet certain requirements.
Although The Post could not find a clear list of standards for acceptance back into service, defense officials said applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis.
For example, a soldier who quietly and politely refuses a vaccine is more likely to be allowed to return to the ranks than one who openly defies and acts against his superiors.
Although only 19 of the 1,903 discharged soldiers have returned to active duty, the Army expects that number to increase following the circulation of the letter.
Nineteen unvaccinated soldiers have returned to active duty out of 1,903 discharged for refusing vaccination.US KOREA/AFP via Getty Im
The letter also reminded former soldiers that they can petition to have their service records corrected if their discharge or disqualification was “in error or unfairness,” according to the Army Review Board Agency.
In fiscal year 2023, which ends Sept. 30, the Army fell short of its target of 65,000 recruits by 10,000 new troops.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
