Reassignment Is Not a Legal Liability — It’s a Smart Military Reform
- Kirk Carlson
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
By Kirk Carlson | USMC Veteran | Founder, Covenant of Courage
As the #ReasonableRanks movement continues to gain momentum, a common question has emerged: “Wouldn’t offering reassignment to injured service members expose the military to lawsuits?”
It’s a fair concern — and one worth addressing directly.
Let’s start with the facts. In the civilian federal workforce, reassignment is not only legal — it’s the preferred standard for handling employees who become disabled on the job. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies are required to provide reasonable accommodations, including reassignment to a vacant position if an employee can no longer perform their current job due to a disability.
From police departments to federal fire agencies and public universities, reassignment helps retain skilled personnel, reduces legal exposure, and honors the value of employee service. Why shouldn’t our military offer the same dignity and opportunity?
Reassignment Reduces Legal Risk — It Doesn’t Increase It
Contrary to fears that reassignment could lead to lawsuits, the opposite is often true. Lawsuits typically arise from a lack of due process, abrupt discharges, or inconsistent standards. By providing injured service members with a clear, consistent pathway to continue serving in non-combat roles — such as training commands, administration, cyber units, or recruitment — the military strengthens its legal and ethical standing.
When implemented responsibly, reassignment includes:
Thorough medical evaluations
Structured role matching based on skill and capacity
Documentation and command-level oversight
This is not about weakening standards. It’s about preserving readiness while honoring the investment made in every service member who answered the call.
A Matter of Justice and Policy, Not Popularity
It’s also important to recognize that this isn’t about pushing a “popular agenda.” It’s about reforming a policy gap that affects thousands of service members each year — people who trained, deployed, and suffered injury, only to be separated without options.
If we truly want to support our troops, we can’t throw them away when they’re hurt.
The civilian world offers reassignment. So should the military.
🖊️ Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🌐 Learn more: www.ReasonableRanks.org
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