How the #ReasonableRanks Initiative is Changing the Military Discharge Process

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

Every year, thousands of dedicated service members are quietly discharged from the military due to injuries or medical conditions — not because of misconduct or lack of commitment, but because they became non-deployable. These individuals volunteered to serve, endured rigorous training, and often suffered physical or psychological damage in the line of duty — yet when they can no longer meet the strict deployability criteria, many are pushed out of the ranks with little recognition or alternative pathways to continue serving. That’s the broken system the #ReasonableRanks Initiative seeks to reform.

The Problem: Injured, Not Insubordinate

The Department of Defense maintains policies that treat deployability as the gold standard for military utility. But what happens when a soldier suffers a back injury during training? Or a Marine develops a chronic illness unrelated to combat? For many, the answer is medical separation — often without career transition support, without the full benefits of service, and without the honor due to someone who wore the uniform with pride.

Too often, these service members are discharged under circumstances that fail to reflect their commitment or sacrifices. Many suffer in silence, carrying the weight of lost identity and purpose. They may lose housing, healthcare access, and financial stability. Others face stigma or feel forgotten by the very institutions they swore to protect.

The Mission of #ReasonableRanks

Launched by veterans and supported by advocates nationwide, the #ReasonableRanks campaign calls on Congress, the Department of Defense, and military leadership to create a career reassignment pathway for injured, non-deployable service members. Rather than being discharged, these individuals should be offered the chance to serve in alternative roles — in training commands, cyber defense, base administration, or recruiting units — roles that require experience, not physical perfection.

This isn’t just compassionate — it’s smart.

Reassigning non-deployable personnel preserves military talent, reduces retraining costs, and reflects the values of loyalty, inclusion, and support for those who’ve borne the burden of service.

What #ReasonableRanks Is Fighting For:

• Career Reassignment Options for injured troops who can still contribute in non-combat capacities.

• Full VA Benefits for service-connected conditions, regardless of whether the injury occurred in combat.

• Dignity and Recognition for those honorably discharged before deploying but willing to give everything.

• A Legislative and Administrative Framework that views medical discharge as a last resort—not the first.

Progress So Far

Since its launch, the #ReasonableRanks petition has garnered growing public support, heartfelt testimonials from veterans, and increasing interest from lawmakers and media outlets. The campaign has been featured in community events, town halls, and is currently engaging with military colleges, local governments, and veteran service organizations across the country.

The movement is powered by real stories — from those who slipped through the cracks, who trained, served, and sacrificed — but were never given the option to stay in uniform.

Why This Matters

Every veteran’s story deserves to be honored. Reforming the discharge process means rewriting the legacy of thousands who otherwise disappear from public memory. It means giving purpose back to those who feel discarded. And it means building a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive military.

The time to act is now.

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

🌐 Learn More: www.covenantofcourage.com

📣 Join the Conversation: #ReasonableRanks #HonorAllService #VeteransMatter