#ReasonableRanks: Because No Veteran Should Be Left Behind
- Kirk Carlson
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
🛡️ A Call for Fairness, Dignity, and Reform in Military Discharge Policy
Across the United States, veterans are celebrated for their courage, sacrifice, and service. Yet behind the medals and ceremonies, thousands of injured service members are quietly pushed out of the military—not for misconduct or failure, but because they were wounded while serving.
The #ReasonableRanks campaign was born out of this injustice. Founded by Marine Corps veteran and advocate Kirk Carlson, the movement seeks to reform outdated Department of Defense (DoD) discharge policies that continue to separate injured but capable service members—many of whom could continue serving in alternative or domestic roles.
🚨 The Problem
Since 2001, hundreds of thousands of service members have been medically discharged, often due to injuries sustained in training or combat. While some of these discharges are necessary, others result from rigid deployment standards that fail to consider reassignment options. These policies disproportionately impact:
Wounded warriors in recovery
Servicewomen dealing with Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
LGBTQ+ troops denied accommodations
Veterans from underserved communities
Many of these individuals are forced out with limited benefits, few resources, and no path back to purpose.
✅ The Solution
#ReasonableRanks proposes a common-sense fix:
Reassignment, not rejection.
The campaign calls for the creation of reassignment pathways for non-deployable service members who are still capable of serving in:
Administrative roles
Training commands
Medical or logistics support
Cybersecurity, intelligence, and communications
The goal isn’t to lower standards—it’s to expand opportunity. If a Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier is willing and able to serve in a meaningful capacity, the system should support, not discharge, them.
📊 Why This Matters
This campaign is more than a policy change—it’s about dignity, equity, and common decency.
Veterans who are reassigned instead of discharged retain stability, benefits, and purpose.
The military preserves talent, training investment, and institutional knowledge.
Communities gain from the continued service of experienced, values-driven individuals.
✊ A Growing Movement
With over 200 signatures and support from city officials, veteran organizations, and the public, #ReasonableRanks is gaining momentum. Recent milestones include:
A Letter of Support from the Mayor of Corona, California
A fundraiser partnership with Lazy Dog Restaurant
Active collaboration with local colleges, senior veteran groups, and legal clinics
Outreach to Congress, the Department of Defense, and national media
📌 How You Can Help
🔹 Sign the petition → https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🔹 Learn more → www.covenantofcourage.com/reasonableranks-action
🔹 Follow and share on social media using #ReasonableRanks
🔹 Volunteer or host a conversation in your community
👥 Final Word
The United States military teaches its warriors never to leave a comrade behind. That principle shouldn’t stop at the battlefield. It should apply in policy, in support systems, and in the way we treat those who gave their all.
Because no veteran should be left behind.
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