Injured, Not Insubordinate: Why the Military Must Offer Reassignment Over Discharge

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

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Every year, thousands of loyal service members are discharged from the United States military — not for misconduct, poor performance, or insubordination — but because they are no longer considered “deployable.” Whether due to a physical injury, chronic illness, or mental health condition like PTSD, these men and women are sidelined, processed out, and often left behind.

Yet the truth remains: they still have the heart to serve.

And that’s exactly why the system needs to change.

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The Problem with Deployability-Only Standards

In today’s military, deployability is often treated as the sole benchmark for continued service. If a Marine, Soldier, Sailor, or Airman cannot deploy — regardless of their experience, leadership, or administrative capability — they may face discharge.

This outdated standard ignores a key reality: the military is more than the battlefield. It relies on logisticians, trainers, IT specialists, intelligence analysts, cybersecurity teams, and support staff. Many of these roles do not require combat readiness — but they do require the kind of commitment and knowledge that injured service members already have.

We are discharging experience, loyalty, and talent — and calling it policy.

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Meet the Veterans Behind the Reform

• Jenna, an Army intelligence officer with 9 years of service, developed a degenerative knee condition. Despite being able to work at a desk and mentor younger troops, she was medically separated. “They said thank you for your service — but it felt like being fired without cause,” she said.

• Tyrell, a Marine Corps mechanic, developed tinnitus and migraines after repeated exposure to flightline noise. When he asked for reassignment to a motor transport training center, his request was denied. Three months later, he was out — with no transition plan and no recognition of his potential.

These aren’t exceptions. They are the pattern.

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What the #ReasonableRanks Campaign Demands

Founded by veterans and backed by bipartisan supporters, the #ReasonableRanks initiative calls for a simple, necessary change:

Create a formal career reassignment pathway for non-deployable but capable service members.

We propose:

• Reassignment roles in training, recruitment, logistics, cyber defense, administrative support, and veterans’ programs

• Legislative protections for those discharged due to service-connected conditions

• Recognition of honorable service, even without deployment

• Elimination of stigma for injured troops who want to keep contributing

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Why This Reform Makes Sense

✅ Economically sound

It costs tens of thousands of dollars to recruit, train, and equip a new service member. Reassigning experienced troops saves money — and retains institutional knowledge.

✅ Morally right

These are not slackers or rule-breakers. They are veterans of training accidents, exposure, stress, and sacrifice. We owe them dignity, not dismissal.

✅ Operationally smart

The modern military is evolving. Cybersecurity, drone operations, base management, and disaster response are all growing needs — ones that do not require a perfect physical profile.

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Reassignment Is Not a Handout — It’s a Second Frontline

Offering reassignment instead of automatic discharge is not charity. It is mission readiness through wisdom.

It is supporting those who supported us.

It is choosing courage over convenience.

We don’t leave our own behind on the battlefield — and we shouldn’t leave them behind in bureaucracy.

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How You Can Help

The #ReasonableRanks petition is gaining traction across the country. We’ve reached over 180 signatures and counting — but we need thousands more to push Congress and the Department of Defense to act.

📢 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn more: www.ReasonableRanks.org

📣 Join the conversation: #ReasonableRanks #VeteransMatter #ReassignNotDischarge

Let’s fix what’s broken — not by casting aside those who served, but by making room for them to continue the mission.