Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military's COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
Makes reinstatement available, on request, to service members discharged solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, with restored rank and full back pay, and separately lets those who voluntarily left over the mandate return to service without penalty.
Section by Section
What each section does, and how they differ.
The military's COVID-19 vaccine mandate was unfair and unnecessary, and service members who were discharged for refusing vaccination should have the opportunity for redress and reinstatement.
DoD and DHS will make reinstatement available to service members discharged solely for vaccine refusal, restore their former rank, and provide back pay and benefits.
Nothing in the order prevents disciplinary action for other misconduct, and DoD and DHS will report on implementation progress within 60 days.
Standard severability clause: if a court strikes any provision, the rest of the order stands.
Standard boilerplate: preserves existing agency authority, conditions the order on appropriations, and creates no enforceable private rights.