Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the military departments to identify former members separated solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and to consider discharge upgrades.
- Former service members generally do not need to apply, as the Pentagon will automatically review records and refer eligible cases to discharge review boards.
- Services must validate eligibility lists within 30 days of the guidance, with final decisions required within one calendar year of the directive.
- A pathway to return to uniformed service remains open until April 1, 2026, following the administration’s broader effort that also restored GI Bill access for affected veterans.
- More than 3,000 of the approximately 8,700 separations received less-than-honorable characterizations; the department says notifications will go out by mail, and reporting notes about 900 upgrades have already been completed.