‘This decision to reinstate these members of the Coast Guard is a major step in the right direction,’ the homeland security secretary said.
The Coast Guard has reinstated 56 members who were removed for not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, officials said Feb. 24.
The members, who had not received a vaccine, contravening a mandate implemented by the Coast Guard in 2021, have been fully reinstated with back pay.
“This is a victory for religious, personal, and medical freedom for all Americans—both in and out of uniform,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The last administration’s vaccine mandates were unconstitutional, un-American, and a gross violation of personal freedom. It was no way to treat the men and women who put everything on the line to keep our country safe.
“This decision to reinstate these members of the Coast Guard is a major step in the right direction.”
In August 2021, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed military officials to impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Coast Guard, which falls under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security, introduced a mandate soon after.
More than 8,000 service members were discharged for not complying with the mandate after requests for exemptions were denied, according to the White House. The Coast Guard discharged 274 members prior to the mandates being rescinded in 2023.
President Donald Trump, shortly after taking office in January 2025, signed an order that said the military shall enable troops discharged to rejoin the military with full back pay. Officials started bringing back troops several months later.
Trump’s order prompted Noem to recommend in May 2025 that 59 members who were discharged over COVID-19 vaccine refusal be reinstated.
The Board for Correction of Military Records said in a decision dated Feb. 12 that it was approving the recommendation for all but three members, who had chosen to withdraw from the process.
A review of records led to the conclusion that the former members “are entitled to relief” pursuant to Trump’s order, the board stated.
Approximately 59 other Coast Guard members have been reinstated already, it also said.
The members will be retroactively reinstated to the date of their discharge, which will make sure their service records are unbroken.
They may be eligible to receive allowances, bonuses, and promotions.
“The Coast Guard will calculate and pay such benefits, and make any other corrections necessary, to effect the Board’s order by awarding constructive service credit for the period of separation,” the board said in its decision. “This includes restoration of rank, seniority in grade, or other benefits that return applicants to the position they would have been in, but for their discharge, in accordance with applicable law and regulation.”
