Troops Discharged Over COVID-19 Vaccine Offered Back Pay Under New Trump Policy

As ordered by President Trump, the Pentagon is giving thousands of former service members who were let go because they refused the COVID-19 vaccine the chance to go back to work with back pay. Yet the new policy, which was announced by Pentagon personnel chief Tim Dill on Tuesday, has necessary restrictions and duties that might make it less appealing.

Due to their unwillingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine, more than 8,000 troops were separated from their families during the pandemic. Since policies were loosened in 2023, only a small portion—just over 100—have returned. Trump's latest executive order aims to change that by making it easier to get medical care and giving money to reinstated people.

Back pay is the most essential part of the policy. It's meant to put returning soldiers in the same financial situation they would have been in if they had never been released.  Earnings while separated, VA disability payments, and other income will be taken from the total. Navy papers show that the final amount will be worked out case by case using tax reports and pay stubs. Service members must promise to wear their outfit for four more years to qualify.

Payments can be made all at once or every three months, and they are taxed at the state and federal levels.

The medical screening for returning troops will be based on the less strict "retention" standard, which considers previous military service, instead of the more stringent "accession" standard used for recruits.

Even with the changes, early signs suggest that there isn't much desire. Since 2023, only 113 ex-service members have gone back to work. Post-order numbers are still low. Only 23 people have re-enlisted in the Army, 10 have returned to the Navy, and there have been no confirmed reinstatements in the Marine Corps.

Notably, under the new policy, people who returned before the order was sent cannot get back pay. Veterans who want to return to service have until April 1, 2026, to do so.

The Pentagon hopes that the incentives will attract more skilled workers, but it remains to be seen if the offer is good enough to attract thousands of people.

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