Reassignment vs. Discharge — Building a Smarter Military System
- Kirk Carlson
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
🇺🇸
Every year, thousands of service members are medically discharged from the United States Armed Forces. Many of them don’t want to leave. They want to serve. They simply need the right assignment — not a discharge order.
The Problem with the Current System
Today’s discharge system treats medical conditions as final sentences rather than opportunities for reassignment. Once a service member is declared “non-deployable,” their career often ends, regardless of their skills, experience, or leadership value.
This process not only strips trained professionals of their livelihood but also weakens the military by discarding talent that could still contribute in vital non-combat roles. In a force that prides itself on “leaving no one behind,” too many are being left behind by policy.
A Smarter Path: Reassignment, Not Rejection
A modern, compassionate, and strategic system would recognize that strength takes many forms. The military already operates with thousands of essential non-deployable positions — from logistics and intelligence to training, maintenance, and cyber operations.
Reassignment allows injured or disabled service members to continue serving honorably in these capacities while maintaining morale, purpose, and identity. It transforms “liability” into leadership — turning experience and resilience into national assets.
The #ReasonableRanks Solution
Through the #ReasonableRanks campaign, Covenant of Courage advocates for policy reform that introduces a Reassignment Pathway — a system modeled after civilian disability accommodation standards.
Under this proposal:
Service members would be evaluated not only for their limitations but for their remaining capabilities.
Commanders would identify and assign meaningful duties that align with those strengths.
Veterans would maintain benefits, dignity, and a continued sense of service.
The Benefits of Reform
Retention of Expertise — The military retains years of training and leadership experience.
Mental Health Support — Purpose is one of the most powerful tools against depression and suicide.
Financial Efficiency — Reassignment costs less than medical discharge, retraining, and replacement.
Cultural Strength — A military that values its wounded proves it values all.
A Call to Action
It’s time to modernize. It’s time to humanize. A smarter military system doesn’t discard those who sacrificed for it — it redeploys them with dignity.
At Covenant of Courage, we believe in a new standard:
👉 Reassign. Rebuild. Restore Purpose.
🖊 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com
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