Bill Overview
Title: To direct the Secretary concerned to reinstate a member involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely on the basis of the refusal of such member to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.
Description: This bill requires the military departments to reinstate individuals (upon their request) who were involuntarily separated from the Armed Forces solely based on their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Such individuals must be reinstated in the grade they held prior to the separation.
Sponsors: Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-18]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals previously involuntarily separated from Armed Forces for COVID-19 vaccination refusal
Estimated Size: 8000
- The bill targets those who were part of the Armed Forces and were involuntarily separated because they refused the COVID-19 vaccination.
- The population includes only those who seek reinstatement, making the estimated directly affected population potentially smaller than the total number eligible.
- Greatest numbers affected likely within countries with significant military forces implementing strict vaccination mandates, primarily the United States.
- Some individuals may decide not to seek reinstatement despite eligibility, such as due to changed life circumstances, career changes, or beliefs.
- Factors including awareness of the bill, willingness to return to military life, and remaining eligibility requirements must be considered.
Reasoning
- About 8,000 individuals in the U.S. might be directly affected since they were separated from the military due to their refusal to vaccinate against COVID-19 and could seek reinstatement. Not everyone eligible will choose to return, either due to personal choices or changes in career pathways.
- The policy's fiscal budget suggests a significant but not unlimited capacity to handle reinstatements, taking into account expenses like back pay, benefits, and potential re-training needs. The allocated budget will cover a portion of those wishing to return, making this a selective reinstatement.
- Considerations of various personal circumstances like non-seekers of reinstatement due to changed careers, disinterest, or other personal developments can influence who benefits from the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Construction Manager (Texas)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was separated because of my decision not to get the vaccine, and it hit me hard back then.
- I've built a new life now, and I don’t see myself going back to the military even though I could be reinstated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Stay-at-home Parent (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If I could return, I'd be willing as it aligns with my long-term career goals that were disrupted.
- This policy makes me hopeful and I feel like justice is being done.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Sales Director (Florida)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The possibility of returning doesn't appeal much as I’ve moved on.
- I have a stable life now and don’t want to disrupt my current path.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
High School Teacher (North Carolina)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Teaching feels rewarding, but I feel uneasy about how my military career ended.
- I would consider returning if reinstated and compensated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Logistics Analyst (Virginia)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Military was my life, and being separated was a tough shift.
- If reinstated, I would return without a second thought.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Hawaii)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.5 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing I have the choice is comforting.
- I've already started a business, but still, this policy is fair for those who seek it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m happy in tech now, but having been forced out was a blow.
- It would be nice for others to have a shot at returning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
University Student (Washington)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This opens a window to combine my studies with a military career.
- Makes me feel valued after feeling discarded due to the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Alaska)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am too far into retirement to consider returning, but it's a decent option for younger folks.
- The policy recognizes those who were wrongfully forced out.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veterans' Affairs Counselor (Georgia)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing friends in similar situations pronounced as overdue justice.
- I would facilitate those who are willing to return.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $120500000 (Low: $102000000, High: $139000000)
Year 2: $70300000 (Low: $59500000, High: $81100000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $42500000, High: $57500000)
Year 5: $27000000 (Low: $23000000, High: $31000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The exact number of individuals seeking reinstatement is uncertain and affects cost and manpower calculations.
- Back pay liabilities can create significant upfront costs that diminish over time.
- Legal and policy frameworks for reinstatement will need to be clearly outlined to process individuals efficiently.
- Various branches of the military may have differing administrative challenges reinstating members.
- Effects on morale and retention could be influenced by policy perceptions among current service members.