US Air Force expedites reinstatement for troops separated over COVID-19 vaccine refusal

Published Aug 12, 06:12 PM UTC

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The Department of the Air Force announced on August 12, 2026, an updated COVID-19 reinstatement process to accelerate the return of service members who were involuntarily separated in 2021 for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The new process allows medical certifications and Board for Correction of Military Records actions to proceed in parallel rather than sequentially, removing an average 30-day delay. Dedicated case managers will serve as single points of contact to help applicants navigate missing documents and ensure fast reintegration. The move follows a Pentagon directive to remove roadblocks, as only about 3% of the 8,700 eligible separated troops have opted to return. The expedited program is under a one-year extension open until April 2027, as directed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

Source

Military TimesWestern

Original headline: Air Force expedites COVID reinstatement process for separated airmen, guardians

Original language: EN

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