A Career Reassignment Model That Works for the Military

By Kirk Carlson | USMC Veteran | Founder, Covenant of Courage

For decades, the U.S. military has adhered to a rigid definition of fitness for service—one centered almost exclusively around deployability. If a service member becomes non-deployable due to injury, chronic illness, or disability, they are often medically discharged regardless of their remaining skills, institutional knowledge, or desire to continue serving.

But in a modern force facing recruitment shortages, rising operational complexity, and increasing emphasis on cyber, logistics, and education, this model is not only outdated—it’s counterproductive.

We need a smarter, more humane solution.

We need a career reassignment model that keeps valuable service members in uniform, even when combat deployment is no longer an option.

The Problem: Losing Talent Through Medical Discharge

When a service member is injured—whether during training, stateside assignments, or non-combat operations—they may become non-deployable. Currently, this often triggers the beginning of a separation process, regardless of their potential to serve in alternative roles.

This rigid pipeline has real consequences:

• Loss of institutional expertise

• Waste of taxpayer investment in training and development

• Harm to morale among troops who fear abandonment after injury

• Civilian transition crises among veterans who are underprepared for discharge

• Injustice to those who still want to serve, but are never given the chance

Medical discharge becomes the default, not the last resort.

The Solution: A Career Reassignment Pathway

The Department of Defense should implement a career reassignment program modeled after systems already used in law enforcement, firefighting, and federal civilian agencies.

Core Elements of the Model:

1. Medical Review & Vocational Assessment

   
   

   Service members deemed non-deployable due to injury would undergo a secondary evaluation—not only for disability, but for redeployment in non-combat roles.

2. Reclassification Opportunities

   
   

   Qualified personnel could be reassigned to positions in training commands, recruitment, cyber operations, administrative support, logistics, maintenance oversight, or educational instruction.

3. Preservation of Rank, Time-in-Service, and Retirement Trajectory

   
   

   Members reassigned under this model would maintain their rank, benefits, and career progression, preventing unnecessary demotions or financial hardship.

4. Integrated Career Counseling

   
   

   Coordinated counseling services would help identify skills, match opportunities, and provide training support during the transition into a reassigned role.

5. Command Accountability

   
   

   Units would be given incentives to retain and reassign qualified non-deployable personnel, rather than defaulting to discharge.

Why It Works

Career reassignment is not a concession—it’s a strategic advantage. Other sectors already recognize this.

• Police officers injured in the line of duty are reassigned to community outreach, training, or desk duty.

• Firefighters who develop chronic injuries often take inspection or educational roles.

• Federal civilian agencies accommodate employees under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA.

If these institutions can recognize value beyond physical readiness, the military can—and must—do the same.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Without reform, we will continue to see:

• Skilled service members discarded before their full contribution is realized

• Rising veteran unemployment and disability claims

• A disconnect between the military’s values and its policies on human capital

And at a time when recruitment is down and operational demands are growing, this is a gap we can’t afford to ignore.

The Way Forward

The #ReasonableRanks campaign is working with veterans, lawmakers, and policy experts to draft a formal reassignment policy proposal for Congress and the Department of Defense. We envision a system where discharge is no longer the default for the injured—and where service doesn’t end because of a setback.

This isn’t just about compassion—it’s about common sense.

Let’s preserve our investment, honor our people, and evolve our military personnel system to reflect the real needs of the 21st century.

📝 Learn More: www.ReasonableRanks.org

📣 Join the Movement: #ReasonableRanks #VeteransMatter #ReassignmentNotDischarge