in effect
This is a presidential executive order (Executive Order 14184, signed January 27, 2025). It directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to reverse the effects of the military’s now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate by letting affected service members return to duty.
The order tells the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all legally permitted steps to offer reinstatement to any active or reserve service member who was discharged solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and who asks to come back. Those who are reinstated are to be returned to their former rank and given full back pay, benefits, bonus payments, or compensation. Members who instead voluntarily left or let their service lapse to avoid the vaccine can return with no effect on their status, rank, or pay if they submit a written, sworn statement to that effect. The order does not block discipline for conduct covered by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and it requires both Secretaries to report their implementation progress to the President within 60 days. It notes the COVID-19 vaccine was mandated on August 24, 2021, and the mandate was rescinded on January 10, 2023.
The people most directly affected are current and former U.S. military members (active and reserve) who were discharged, or who left or lapsed, over refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security carry out the reinstatement, back pay, and reporting requirements. The order states it creates no legally enforceable rights and is subject to available funding, so it does not by itself guarantee any individual a specific outcome.