Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has directed the U.S. Coast Guard to reinstate service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine following President Donald Trump's executive order, Breitbart reported.
The directive, announced in a memo shared exclusively with Breitbart News, outlines steps to comply with the order titled "Reinstating Service Members Discharged Under the Military's COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate."
Trump's order argues that the military unjustly discharged personnel over the mandate, stating, "The military unjustly discharged those who refused the vaccine, regardless of the years of service given to our Nation, after failing to grant many of them an exemption that they should have received."
In the memo, Noem emphasized the importance of rectifying these discharges, writing, "President Trump directed the government to reinstate service members discharged due to the refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine who would like to return to service, with full back pay and benefits."
To ensure compliance, Noem directed the Coast Guard to restore ranks and benefits for affected personnel. According to the memo, any service member reduced in rank before separation due to vaccine refusal will be reinstated to their previous rank. Additionally, members selected for promotion before their dismissal will receive the rank they were due, with their promotion date backdated accordingly.
Noem also addressed potential legal challenges, instructing the Coast Guard's Judge Advocate General to report any issues to the Acting General Counsel.
A formal report on the Coast Guard's actions related to this directive is expected by March 1, 2025.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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