DOD to review reinstatement of troops removed over COVID-19 vaccine rule

Congress may require the U.S. Department of Defense to review the reinstatement of thousands of military service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, as indicated by a draft version of the annual defense bill.

The latest draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), released by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, indicates that the DOD would need to consider reinstatement for any servicemember discharged provided they submitted an exemption request, such as for religious, administrative or medical reasons.

If reinstated, the time away from service would be defined as a period of inactivation.

Additionally, the draft...