Army reenlists nearly two dozen soldiers who were removed for not getting COVID-19 vaccine

The Army on Monday announced that nearly two dozen soldiers have been reenlisted into the service, after they were discharged for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

All military branches are reaching out to the thousands of soldiers and service members who were removed from duty for not complying with orders to get the vaccine, but none of the others have reported official numbers so far, per the Associated Press. 

Three of the soldiers have returned to active duty, while another 20 are either in the National Guard or the Army Reserve, the service said. 

Soldiers and servicemembers who return to the military will be required to enroll for service for at least two to four years. Those who were forced out over the vaccine, but then sign on for four years will be given some back pay. But service members who left voluntarily in order to avoid getting the shot can enroll for two years, and do not receive back pay.

The Army said approximately 400 people have expressed interest in the reenlistment program, and approximately 100 of those are in the application process. Roughly 472 Marines have also expressed interest in returning to the branch, and about a half dozen sailors have expressed interest in the Navy.

All servicemembers who are interested in returning to the military will need to meet all military standards, including health, fitness and moral requirements, and will have until Feb. 28, 2026 to reenlist. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.