Army Recruiting Former Soldiers Ousted for Refusing COVID-19 Shot
The United States Army is attempting to recruit former soldiers who were previously forced out of service due to refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the Army, about 1,903 who refused the COVID-19 shots were discharged during the 15 months when the vaccinations were mandatory by the Pentagon. Per the military information blog TaskandPurpose.com, the Army has issued instructions on rejoining due to recruiting struggles.
“As a result of the rescission of all current COVID-19 vaccination requirements, former soldiers who were involuntarily separated for their refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccination may request a correction of their military records,” according to a letter signed by Brig. Gen. Hope Rampy, Army Director of Personnel Management.
The letter, circulated on social media, has been confirmed by the Army as authentic. Within the letter’s content, soldiers desiring to return to service are encouraged to contact their local Army, US Army Reserve, or Army National Guard recruiter for more information.
According to CBN News, Rampy also told soldiers who were “involuntarily separated” for their refusal to get the COVID shot “may request a correction of their military records.”
Task and Purpose also noted that 8,945 soldiers, 10,800 airmen and guardians, 4,172 sailors, and 3,717 Marines were denied religious exemptions for the COVID-19 shot.
In 2022, the Army was down about 15,000 soldiers, 25 percent short of its 60,000 goal. In February, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth announced that the Army sought to bring in 65,000 recruits, 20,000 more than in 2022.
Out of over 8,000 service members who were ousted for not taking the vaccine, only 43 attempted rejoining eight months after the vaccine mandate was revoked.
Among the 43 who returned, only 19 returned to the Army, while 12 came to the Army Corps.
Last month, the Army relaunched its Be All You Can Be marketing campaign to bring in more young people. A number of enlistment bonuses are also available, including recruits receiving up to $50,000 in addition to their salary after a certain period of time. The Army also announced that it offers military allowances to compensate for the cost of living, including food, housing, and clothing.
As reported by Must Read Alaska, the Army’s new recruitment poster now stresses in bold letters that no COVID-19 vaccination is required.
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Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
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