ARLINGTON, Va. – The Department of the Air Force has completed a review and upgrade of personnel records, restoring full benefits eligibility to 377 service members involuntarily discharged for declining the COVID-19 vaccine. The effort, completed nine months ahead of schedule, aims to comply with guidance from the Secretary of War to “restore honor to service members separated under the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Mandate,” according to a December 6, 2025, memorandum.
The Air Force Review Boards Agency (AFRBA) review resulted in upgrades to service characterizations, reentry codes, and separation narratives for those eligible. Specifically, affected individuals now receive an “Honorable” service characterization, signifying they met all standards of acceptable conduct and performance. They also receive a reentry code, allowing immediate reenlistment should they meet current enlistment standards, and a “Secretarial Authority” narrative reason for separation, clarifying the discharge was solely related to the vaccine mandate and not misconduct or performance issues.
“Completing this review in record time is more than just an administrative update. it’s how we restore trust and honor the commitment of those who raised their hand to serve,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier. “This represents one way we show how much we value your service and reflects our best effort to make things right.”
Beyond the initial 377 cases, the AFRBA also reviewed an additional 218 involuntary discharge cases that fell outside the original scope of the proactive review. In total, 595 active-duty and Air National Guard service members, ranging in rank from Airman 1st Class to Master Sergeant, have had their records upgraded. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Richard L. Anderson stated the team worked to change nearly 600 “General” discharges to “Honorable” discharges, correcting mischaracterizations related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This work expresses how the Department of the Air Force went above and beyond the requirements given by the Office of the Secretary of War to take care of our veterans impacted by the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate,” Anderson said. “Today, we are reaching out to each individual to ensure they are aware of their updated records and take full advantage of the service benefits they deserve.”
The Pentagon has indicated a broader effort to address similar cases across all branches of the military. According to Stars and Stripes, former personnel dismissed for COVID vaccine refusal may be eligible for discharge upgrades. The Navy recently issued an apology to service members discharged under the Biden-era vaccine mandate, signaling a shift in policy.
Further extending support for those impacted, Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata announced on March 13, 2026, that the Department of War is extending the deadline for service members to return to service until April 1, 2027. Details regarding the process for reentry are forthcoming.
Individuals seeking more information can visit the DAF COVID Reinstatement website or contact [email protected].
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