Why Injured Veterans Must Be Protected Under Military Policy
- Kirk Carlson
- May 3
- 2 min read
Why Injured Veterans Must Be Protected Under Military Policy
Injured veterans are not just warriors wounded in the line of duty—they are living symbols of commitment, resilience, and sacrifice. Yet, too many are discarded by the very system they swore to protect when they become injured or disabled. The military’s current discharge policies often fail to provide reasonable accommodations or career continuation options for those who are no longer combat-ready but still capable of serving in critical support roles. This is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a failure of duty and policy.
Join the fight to protect our injured veterans.
Sign the petition here: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
The Hidden Crisis Behind Medical Discharges
Each year, thousands of service members are medically discharged after injuries sustained in the line of duty. While medical separation is sometimes necessary, a disturbing number of veterans are discharged despite being qualified to serve in administrative, logistical, or training roles. This lack of flexibility has long-term consequences—cutting short careers, denying retirement eligibility, and drastically limiting access to full VA benefits and civilian employment.
One such case is that of USMC veteran Kirk Carlson, founder of Covenant of Courage. After being injured as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, Carlson was reassigned to dispatcher duty—a light-duty role he performed with pride. Yet instead of being allowed to continue, he was discharged without the chance to transition or retire. His story is just one of many.
Why Protection Must Be Codified
Injured veterans must be protected under updated military policy that:
Requires a case-by-case reassignment review before discharge
Offers non-combat career continuation tracks
Aligns with federal disability accommodation laws
Grants full retirement and VA benefits when separation is based on institutional failure—not ability
Without these reforms, we turn honorable service into preventable hardship.
Sign the Petition to Demand Change
We’re calling on Congress and the Department of Defense to act now through the #ReasonableRanks Campaign.
SIGN & SHARE the petition today:
Your voice can help ensure injured veterans are given the chance to finish what they started—with dignity, purpose, and honor.
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