Air Force completes review of COVID-related separation records

The Department of the Air Force has upgraded the discharge records of 595 former Airmen and Air National Guard members who were separated in connection with the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate, a move officials say will restore access to full veterans’ benefits and clear the way for potential reenlistment.

According to the Air Force Review Boards Agency, the proactive records review identified 377 people who were involuntarily discharged solely for declining the COVID-19 vaccination. The agency then examined another 218 cases that fell outside the original scope, bringing the total to 595, with ranks ranging from Airman 1st Class to Master Sergeant. Officials said the review was completed nine months ahead of the required deadline.

“Completing this review in record time is more than just an administrative update; it’s how we restore trust and honor the commitment of those who raised their hand to serve,” Under Secretary of the Air Force Matt Lohmeier said. “This is one way we show how much we value your service and reflects our best effort to make things right.”

The upgrades include changing service characterizations to Honorable, assigning reentry codes that make individuals immediately eligible to reenlist if they meet standards, and listing “Secretarial Authority” as the narrative reason for separation—signaling the discharge was not for misconduct or failure to meet standards. The department said the changes ensure access to post-service benefits such as VA home loans and the Post-9/11 GI Bill and would enable former members to return to service without a waiver if they choose.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to upgrade nearly 600 cases for those previously given a ‘General’ discharge to now an ‘Honorable’ discharge, whose involuntarily separation precluded their reentry to service or mischaracterized their discharge as anything other than COVID-related,” said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Richard L. Anderson.

“This work expresses how the Department of the Air Force went above and beyond the requirements given by the Office of the Secretary of War to take care of our veterans impacted by the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate,” Anderson said. “Today, we are reaching out to each individual to ensure they are aware of their updated records and take full advantage of the service benefits they deserve.”

The review aligned with guidance issued Dec. 6, 2025, to restore honor to service members separated under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the department said. The release also says Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata extended the deadline for separated service members to return to duty until April 1, 2027, with further details forthcoming.

The announcement repeatedly uses “Department of War” and “Secretary of War,” designations the Pentagon replaced in 1947 when the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Defense positions were established.

More information is available on the DAF COVID Reinstatement website or by emailing [email protected].