They Trained. They Served. Then They Were Discarded.
- Kirk Carlson
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
By Kirk Carlson | USMC Veteran | Founder, Covenant of Courage
Imagine this:
You’re 19 years old. You volunteer for military service. You give 110%—in the field, in the classroom, on the tarmac. During training, you’re injured. It wasn’t your fault. You followed orders. You did everything right.
But instead of support or reassignment, you’re quietly shown the door. Your career? Over.
Your benefits? Limited.
Your future? Uncertain.
This isn’t a one-off tragedy. It’s happening to thousands of injured service members every year.
They are willing to serve in alternate roles—administrative, logistical, cyber, instructional. But they’re pushed out because the system only values deployability—not potential.
👉 That’s why we started the #ReasonableRanks campaign.
👉 And that’s why your voice matters right now.
🚨 The Problem: Discharge Over Reassignment
Injured service members are often medically discharged—even when they’re still capable of contributing in meaningful, non-combat roles. This outdated policy:
Wastes training and talent
Strips veterans of identity, benefits, and dignity
Leaves many with untreated injuries and few options
These are not people trying to “get out.” These are warriors who want to stay in and keep serving. The system is failing them—and we’re calling for change.
📢 The Solution: Reasonable Reassignment
We’re calling on the Department of Defense and Congress to establish a formal career reassignment pathway for injured personnel who can no longer deploy but are still mission-capable.
Think of it like this:
Firefighters who can’t run into burning buildings don’t get fired—they teach, inspect, or train.
Police officers who are injured in the line of duty aren’t discarded—they transition into desk roles or community engagement.
Why can’t the military do the same?
🧠 Why This Matters (To You)
Even if you’re not in the military, this issue affects every American.
It’s about how we treat those who raise their hands to serve.
It’s about making the most of our nation’s investment in training.
It’s about fairness, respect, and duty—values we all share.
📈 Our Progress
✅ Over 171 petition signatures and counting
✅ Outreach to media, Congress, universities, and veteran organizations
✅ Policy white paper in development
✅ Personal stories from veterans who’ve lived this injustice
✅ Powerful visuals, articles, and bipartisan messaging to unite—not divide
✅ Take Action Now
🖊️ Sign the Petition:
💬 Comment & Share:
Tell us why you support reassignment over discharge.
📲 Follow & Join the Movement:
No one should be discarded for being injured in service.
Let’s give every veteran a fair shot at continuing their mission.
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