Thousands of service members across the U.S. military have been discharged from hospitals after refusing the Covid-19 vaccine, a directive initiated by the Biden administration back in August 2021. Since that time, many have called for the reinstatement of those who faced unjust firings.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Heggs addressed the situation, stating that measures are being taken to assist those who were recently distinguished.

“We also welcome back former service members who were mistakenly discharged,” Heggs noted. “More than 8,700 personnel were involuntarily separated because of their refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Others opted to leave more informally.”

There seems to be a significant push to reintegrate these discharged individuals into the armed forces, as Heggs highlighted.

“We are actively seeking those warriors of conscience,” he added. “We’ve sent out letters. We want them back. They should never have been discharged. The personnel and preparation departments are working in real-time to streamline the process.”

The Secretary’s initiatives are backed by several lawmakers in Washington, including U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed that military personnel shouldn’t be discharged for refusing an “experimental vaccine.”

Tuberville had previously fought against the discharges in 2022, advocating measures to prevent the termination of military personnel.

After the vaccine requirement was lifted in 2023, only 43 service members were dismissed under these rules from the Biden administration and former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

In late January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to reinstate service members who were discharged for rejecting the vaccine, ensuring they would receive full wages and benefits. Members interested in returning must express their intentions by April 1, 2026.