NEW: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth just made history with one of the most powerful reversals in U.S. military policy.
Thousands of troops were kicked out for refusing the COVID shot.
More than 8,700 U.S. service members were discharged for standing by their conscience. Others were quietly pushed out—or chose to leave after being backed into a corner.
Now? They’re being welcomed back with dignity.
In a powerful address at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Hegseth made it official:
“We’re also welcoming back former service members who were wrongly forced to leave the military.”
“More than 8,700 service members were involuntarily separated for taking an experimental Covid-19 vaccine.”
“Others were more informally pushed out or decided to get out.”
“We are welcoming actively back those warriors of conscience.”
“We’ve sent letters out, we’re seeking them out, we want them back. They never should have been forced out.”
“Personnel and readiness department is working in real time to make that process more and more efficient, more and more direct, every single day.”
This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a national reckoning on one of the military’s darkest chapters.
For years, these men and women were treated like they didn’t belong. Their careers shattered. Their loyalty questioned.
Now, they’re being invited back—with honor, respect, and a message they’ve waited years to hear:
You were right. And we need you.
It’s justice. Long overdue.
