🪖 These Veterans Didn’t Choose to Quit—They Were Forced Out

By Covenant of Courage | #ReasonableRanks Campaign

America’s military prides itself on grit, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to service. But for thousands of veterans, the end of their military journey didn’t come by choice—it was forced upon them. These men and women didn’t give up. They were sidelined. Discharged. Dismissed. Not because they lacked discipline or dedication, but because they were injured, pregnant, or simply unable to meet deployment standards after serving honorably.

These veterans didn’t quit.

They trained hard. They showed up. They served with pride.

But when injury, illness, or trauma made them non-deployable, the system didn’t offer a path forward—it offered the door out.

⚠️ The Discharge Dilemma

Today’s military system still relies heavily on a “deploy-or-get-out” policy that treats human beings like parts in a machine. If you’re broken, you’re removed. It doesn’t matter if the injury occurred during a training accident, while responding to an emergency, or simply through the wear and tear of constant physical readiness.

Instead of reassignment to administrative, cyber, intelligence, or training roles, many are shown the exit. Some are even denied full VA benefits if the injury occurred before a certain threshold—like before completing 180 days of active duty.

This isn’t accountability. This is abandonment.

💬 Real People. Real Sacrifice.

One veteran spent months training to be an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. In a single moment, during a simulation, an accident left him permanently injured. Though he still wanted to serve, he was sent home, paperwork in hand. No second chance. No reassignment. Just a discharge and a fight for recognition.

Another trainee pushed through the toughest parts of boot camp—only to be discharged after a severe stress fracture left her unable to march. Her dreams, her career, her sense of service—cut short. Not by her choice, but by a policy that refuses to flex for those willing to continue in any capacity.

📣 A Call for #ReasonableRanks

Covenant of Courage launched the #ReasonableRanks campaign to change this. We believe that service doesn’t end at deployability. We believe that injured veterans, especially those hurt while preparing to serve, deserve more than a discharge. They deserve reassignment options, full recognition, and the ability to continue contributing with dignity.

Reform is possible. The tools already exist. Every branch of the military has administrative roles, remote billets, desk jobs, training centers, and leadership schools that need people. Why not fill those roles with the men and women who have already proven their commitment?

🛑 We Must Stop Treating the Injured Like They’re Expendable

Discharge shouldn’t be the only path. We must recognize the value of those who are no longer fit to deploy but still able—and eager—to serve.

These veterans didn’t choose to quit.

They were forced out.

Now, we’re standing up to say: Enough.

✍️ Join the Movement

📌 Sign the Petition → https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn More → www.covenantofcourage.com

📢 Share Their Stories → Use #ReasonableRanks on social media