Army Turns to New Source for Recruits—Unvaccinated Former Soldiers

‘Developing and employing the skills and talents of prior service members can benefit individual soldiers and the Army,’ new Army guidance stated.

U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth (L) and Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville testify during a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 10, 2022. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The U.S. Army is telling unvaccinated former soldiers who were kicked out of the military for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine that they can potentially rejoin the force as the military struggles to draw new recruits.

“Individuals who desire to apply to return to service should contact their local ... recruiter,” Brig. Gen. Hope Rampy, U.S. Army director of personnel management, wrote in a letter sent to former Army personnel.