President Donald Trump issued an executive order allowing service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine to be reinstated with full back pay, rank, and benefits. The order applies to both active and reserve personnel who request reinstatement.
The Department of Defense and Homeland Security must implement the policy and report progress within 60 days. Service members who voluntarily left rather than comply with the mandate may also return without penalty.
The move reverses the 2021 vaccine mandate, which was rescinded in 2023. The order is expected to spark debate over military readiness and public health policies.
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