How Civil Rights Law Can Modernize the Armed Forces

By Covenant of Courage – #ReasonableRanks Campaign

The U.S. Armed Forces have long been a beacon of strength, unity, and sacrifice. Yet, in 2025, one of the most powerful institutions in our nation remains governed by outdated personnel policies that fail to align with modern civil rights protections. To create a military that is both mission-ready and ethically sound, we must begin viewing civil rights law not as a challenge to tradition—but as a roadmap for progress.

The Problem: A System Stuck in the Past

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Civil Rights Act, and other landmark legislation have transformed the civilian workforce, these protections often stop at the gates of military bases. Service members who become injured, develop medical conditions, or face psychological trauma are frequently deemed “non-deployable” and involuntarily discharged—even when they remain capable of contributing meaningfully in other roles.

This practice not only erodes morale but also wastes talent, training, and taxpayer dollars. Worse, it sends a harmful message: that worth is tied solely to physical readiness, rather than skill, character, and potential.

The Civil Rights Lens: Equal Protection, Equal Opportunity

Civil rights law is based on simple but powerful principles—fairness, accommodation, and the right to meaningful participation in society. Applying these principles to the military means:

• Reassigning injured or disabled service members to cyber, admin, teaching, or support roles instead of discharging them.

• Establishing a military equivalent of the ADA, requiring individualized assessments and reasonable accommodations.

• Promoting diversity of ability and experience, treating disability not as disqualification but as a leadership asset.

• Expanding legal remedies for those wrongfully discharged due to bias, stigma, or lack of support.

A Case Study in Modernization: The Civilian Workforce

In civilian sectors, we have already seen how inclusive policies lead to innovation. Tech companies, universities, hospitals, and government agencies accommodate employees with a wide range of needs—and often see improvements in retention, morale, and productivity. The military can—and must—do the same.

The Strategic Advantage

An inclusive military is a stronger military. Civil rights-driven modernization enhances:

• Readiness: Retains experienced personnel who would otherwise be lost.

• Efficiency: Reduces the cost of recruiting and training replacements.

• Reputation: Rebuilds trust among veterans, recruits, and the public.

• Unity: Fosters an environment where every member feels valued, regardless of ability or deployment status.

What Comes Next?

The #ReasonableRanks campaign is calling on Congress and the Department of Defense to adopt a new framework—one that blends the mission of the military with the moral clarity of civil rights law. We are proposing legislation, collecting veteran testimonies, and inviting civilian allies to speak up.

No service member should be discarded because of injury, trauma, or disability. They should be reassigned, accommodated, and empowered.

Join Us

📌 Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn More: www.covenantofcourage.com/reasonableranks-action

📣 Follow the Movement: #ReasonableRanks

Modernizing the military begins with justice. Let’s build an Armed Forces that truly leaves no one behind.