We received an email (below) from the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Army Outreach Division, regarding servicemembers who were involuntarily discharged from the Army due to refusal of the COVID-19 vaccination. There is now an opportunity for them to be reinstated with full back pay.

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I hope this message finds you well. Please share the following information with any individuals seeking reinstatement after separation due to the COVID-19 vaccination policy.

On January 27th, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order providing a pathway for individuals involuntarily separated from the Army for refusing the COVID-19 vaccination to request reinstatement and backpay.

Here’s how to begin the reinstatement process:

1. Contact an Army Recruiter: Visit your local Army recruiter to initiate the process. Find a recruiter near you at www.goarmy.com.
2. Receive Official Notification: You will receive an official letter and email with detailed information about the reinstatement process.
3. Undergo Pre-screening: Your local recruiting station will conduct initial screenings to determine your physical and medical eligibility for reinstatement.
4. Record Update and Compensation Estimate: Following successful screening, the recruiting station will assist you in updating your records and obtaining a financial compensation estimate from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
5. Assignment Facilitation: The Human Resources Command (HRC) will then facilitate your next assignment.

 Eligibility and Additional Information:

• This opportunity is available only to individuals involuntarily separated due to the COVID-19 vaccination policy.
• Reinstatement requires a commitment to serve an additional two years in the Army.
• You will have 60 days from the receipt of your compensation estimate to decide whether to accept reinstatement.

Executive Order:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/reinstating-service-members-discharged-under-the-militarys-covid-19-vaccination-mandate/

DOD prepares invitation to bring back troops separated for refusing COVID vaccine | Article | The United States Army

Locate a Recruiter:
Regular Army: www.goarmy.com
Army Reserve: www.goarmyreserve.com
Army National Guard: https://nationalguard.com/get-started

For all other questions and concerns regarding the letter:

AskHRC:
Contact via Email

Phone Number:
1-888-ARMYHRC (Option 8)
Monday- Friday, 0800 – 1800 EST

V/R,

Tony W. McCormick
Public Affairs Specialist
Office of the Chief of Public Affairs / Army Outreach Division
1500 Army Pentagon, Room 1D470
Washington D.C., 20310-1500