Percentage of Veterans Denied Career Reassignment: A Hidden Crisis in the Ranks

Every year, thousands of service members are discharged—not for misconduct, but because of medical conditions sustained during their time in uniform. Many of these veterans are eager and able to continue serving in a different capacity. Yet despite their commitment, skills, and willingness to adapt, an alarming percentage are denied the opportunity for career reassignment.

The Invisible Policy Barrier

The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and Department of Defense (DoD) regulations currently emphasize a “deploy or get out” standard, often leaving little room for reasonable accommodation or reassignment. This has disproportionately affected service members who experience injuries during basic training or non-combat-related duties. In many cases, a recruit with a correctable condition or treatable injury is discharged rather than reassigned to a support role—despite being mentally and emotionally fit to serve.

The Numbers Tell the Story

While exact statistics are underreported and scattered across branches, advocacy groups estimate that over 75% of medically discharged service members are denied the opportunity for reassignment—even when administrative, instructional, or logistical roles are available. This is not due to a lack of talent or motivation, but rather a system that often treats medical status as a binary: deployable or dischargeable.

• According to a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, less than 2% of non-deployable service members were reassigned within their branch.

• Among injured recruits, up to 85% are administratively separated without the benefit of transition services, rehabilitation, or job retraining.

• In contrast, federal civilian employees under the ADA are entitled to reassignment when a disability prevents them from performing the essential duties of their current role.

The Human Cost

Behind every statistic is a story—of a Marine who dreamed of being a leader, a soldier willing to serve in a classroom instead of combat, a sailor capable of mentoring others from a desk instead of the deck. Many of these men and women are left with psychological wounds, unemployment, and a sense of betrayal by the very institution they swore to defend.

These separations don’t just affect individuals—they impact families, communities, and the nation’s workforce. Many veterans who are denied reassignment end up underemployed, homeless, or struggling with untreated mental health challenges.

A Call for Reasonable Ranks

The #ReasonableRanks campaign, led by organizations like Covenant of Courage, is working to change this narrative. The movement advocates for a legal and policy framework that mirrors civilian protections—allowing medically limited service members to transfer into non-deployable roles when feasible.

This isn’t about lowering standards; it’s about recognizing ability over disability, and honoring the commitment of those willing to serve in any capacity.

What Needs to Change

• Amend DoD and UCMJ policies to include a pathway for reassignment to support roles.

• Recognize career reassignment as a form of reasonable accommodation for service-connected injuries.

• Establish uniform standards across all branches so no veteran is denied this option due to branch-specific rules.

• Increase transparency and data collection on the number of denied reassignment requests.

Join the Movement

If you believe no one should be discarded for getting hurt in service, it’s time to take action.

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

🔗 Learn more: www.CovenantOfCourage.com

📢 Share your story and use the hashtag #ReasonableRanks

Let’s build a military that values resilience, not just readiness.

Because every veteran deserves a chance to continue serving—with courage, purpose, and dignity.