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DoD Instruction 1332.45: A Closer Look at Non-Deployable Policies


In today’s evolving military landscape, few regulations have stirred more conversation—or confusion—than DoD Instruction 1332.45: Retention Determinations for Non-Deployable Service Members. At first glance, this policy might seem like a necessary standard for maintaining operational readiness. But a deeper examination reveals serious implications for injured service members, disabled veterans, and the future of equitable military policy.





🔍 What Is DoD Instruction 1332.45?



Issued in 2018 and revised in the years since, DoD Instruction 1332.45 provides the framework for evaluating service members who have been deemed “non-deployable” for more than 12 consecutive months. According to the instruction, these individuals can be subject to administrative separation or retirement, unless their branch grants a waiver or determines they are otherwise essential to the mission.


The aim? To ensure all troops are “worldwide deployable.”

The result? Thousands of capable service members discharged despite being able to serve in non-combat or support roles.





⚠️ Why This Policy Deserves Scrutiny



1. It Reduces Service to One Standard: Deployability


Under 1332.45, “deployability” is often narrowly defined—typically tied to physical readiness for combat operations. This overlooks countless vital roles in:


  • Cybersecurity

  • Intelligence analysis

  • Administration

  • Medical and rehabilitation support

  • Logistics and training



Many injured or disabled veterans could continue serving in these roles if the policy allowed for reasonable accommodations or reassignment pathways.


2. It Conflicts with Disability Rights Principles


While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees from discrimination due to disability in civilian life, those same standards don’t extend fully to active-duty military members. The rigid application of 1332.45 effectively denies reasonable accommodation to service members who are injured—but still capable of meaningful service.


3. It Creates Long-Term Harm


Being discharged under 1332.45 doesn’t just end a career. It can:


  • Cut off retirement and promotion opportunities

  • Disrupt VA benefits or create bureaucratic delays

  • Increase mental health struggles related to shame, loss of purpose, or trauma






🔄 What Could Be Done Differently?



Advocates are calling for reform—not elimination—of 1332.45, including:


✅ Creating “Reassignment Pathways” for non-deployable but capable members

✅ Aligning military policies with reasonable accommodation principles

✅ Standardizing waiver criteria to reduce inconsistencies across branches

✅ Ensuring disability evaluation boards consider more than combat roles


Organizations like Covenant of Courage and campaigns like #ReasonableRanks are pushing to reimagine how our armed forces treat those who served with honor—but got injured in the process.





🛡️ Why This Matters in 2025



As the Department of Defense faces ongoing recruitment and retention challenges, it’s more important than ever to build an inclusive force—one that values all forms of service. That includes acknowledging that “fit to serve” shouldn’t only mean “fit to deploy.”


If we truly want to honor our troops, we must stop equating injuries with expendability.




📢 Take Action


✍️ Sign the petition to reform DoD Instruction 1332.45:


🌐 Learn more and get involved at:




No veteran should be left behind—not on the battlefield, and not in policy.

 
 
 

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not legal advice. They are meant solely as educational content. Individual cases will vary.
Covenant of Courage is not a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or law firm and is not affiliated with the U.S. Veterans Administration (“VA”). Covenant of Courage does not provide legal or medical advice or assist clients with preparing or filing claims for benefits with the VA.

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