How the #ReasonableRanks Campaign Is Fighting for Veteran Reassignment
- Kirk Carlson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
How the #ReasonableRanks Campaign Is Fighting for Veteran Reassignment
By Kirk Carlson, USMC Veteran | Founder, Covenant of Courage
For many injured service members, the end of their military career doesn’t come with celebration or ceremony—it comes with a discharge letter.
Whether due to a back injury, knee replacement, or traumatic brain injury, thousands of veterans are forced out of the military every year—not because they’ve lost their skills or dedication, but because there’s no system in place for reassignment to non-combat roles.
The #ReasonableRanks campaign is changing that.
We’re building a movement to fight for reassignment opportunities for injured veterans who are still ready and able to serve—just in a different capacity.
The Problem: No Path After Injury
The U.S. military has strict physical standards for combat readiness, and understandably so. But what happens when a service member is injured, but still capable of serving in logistics, intelligence, training, IT, or administration?
Right now, the answer is often: discharge.
There is no formal process for reassignment into non-combat roles for those who can no longer meet physical standards but still have valuable experience and skills. As a result, veterans lose:
Their military career
Their retirement benefits
Their healthcare access
Their sense of identity and purpose
And the military loses seasoned, trained professionals who still have more to give.
The #ReasonableRanks Mission
The #ReasonableRanks campaign is a veteran-led grassroots effort to fix this.
We are advocating for:
Creation of non-combat reassignment pathways for injured service members
Career continuation waivers for those near retirement or with unique qualifications
Recognition of support roles as valid, honorable service
Protection of benefits for those who are separated due to injury but still willing to serve
We believe that injury should not mean exile, and that the military must adapt to retain capable, experienced people.
How We’re Taking Action
Our campaign is driven by real stories and growing support:
Petition: Over 99 signatures and counting
Campus Engagement: Supported by Norco College’s ASNC, Student Life, Veterans Resource Center, and Unity Zone
Legislative Outreach: Contacting local lawmakers and seeking endorsement from elected officials
Community Advocacy: Flyers, educational events, and powerful veteran testimonials shared across platforms
Partnership Building: Engaging faculty, student leaders, and nonprofit allies to expand impact
We’re not just talking about the problem—we’re organizing, educating, and activating communities to demand solutions.
What’s Next
We are presenting to the Norco College student board on May 23, continuing campus outreach, and preparing policy briefs and op-eds to bring this issue to state and federal leadership.
But to make a lasting impact, we need your help.
Join the Movement
Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
Share your story or a loved one’s
Talk to your representatives about military discharge reform
Help us fight for fairness, dignity, and second chances
Because service doesn’t end with an injury.
And we won’t stop fighting until every veteran who wants to serve—can.
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