Over 600 former service members express interest in returning to duty.

Department of War Reports Progress on Reinstating Service Members Discharged Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

The Department of War has announced measurable progress in reinstating service members who were involuntarily discharged under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to an update released by Under Secretary of War Anthony J. Tata.

In a statement posted on social media, Tata said the department is steadily moving forward with reinstatements while making necessary adjustments along the way. Of the approximately 8,700 warriors discharged due to the mandate, 602 have expressed interest in returning to service.

So far, 104 service members have been fully reinstated across different branches, while an additional 115 are currently in the process of reinstatement. Department officials emphasized that the figures reflect ongoing efforts and are expected to change as more cases are reviewed.

Tata credited the progress to extensive coordination and sustained leadership focus throughout the department. He highlighted the efforts of the Department of War’s public relations and service-level teams, noting that reinstatements are the result of countless hours of administrative and operational work.

The reinstatement initiative follows growing scrutiny of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and its impact on military readiness and personnel retention. Department leaders have signaled that restoring qualified service members remains a priority as the process continues.