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Chairpersons

Senator Johnson Requests Briefing on DoD's Handling of Vaccine Mandate Discharges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator Ronald Johnson of Wisconsin is seeking a briefing from the Department of Defense (DoD) on its efforts to address the discharges of thousands of active-duty service members who refused the COVID-19 vaccine mandated by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in 2021. The dismissals, which affected approximately 8,700 service members, were widely criticized as a "despicable act" that damaged the military. Senator Johnson's request comes on the heels of reports that many of these former service members are still waiting for back pay and reinstatement, despite efforts by the Biden administration and Secretary Hegseth to address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Ronald Johnson sent a letter to DoD Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting a briefing on the department's efforts to apologize, reinstate, and provide back pay to service members terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The discharge of approximately 8,700 active-duty service members in 2021 was characterized as a "despicable act" by Senator Johnson that damaged the military.
  • The Biden administration issued an executive order in 2024 enabling wrongfully discharged service members to revert to their former rank and receive full back pay, benefits, and compensation.
  • Secretary Hegseth announced in February 2025 that service members could seek reinstatements and back pay.
  • A Daily Caller article published on July 24, 2025, reported on several former military personnel who had not received back pay after being terminated for refusing the vaccine.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 8,700 active-duty service members were terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.
  • The Biden administration issued an executive order in 2024 to enable wrongfully discharged service members to receive full back pay and benefits.
  • Secretary Hegseth announced in February 2025 that service members could seek reinstatements and back pay.

Sources:

  • Wisconsin Senator Ronald Johnson
  • Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth
  • Daily Caller article, "Chairman Johnson Requests Briefing on DoD's Handling of Vaccine Mandate Discharges" (date not specified)
  • Daily Caller article, "Former Service Members Still Waiting for Back Pay After Being Terminated for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccine" (July 24, 2025)

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