Q1: What is the purpose of the COVID-19 Reinstatement Program? A: The program is designed to provide a pathway for Marines who were separated either involuntarily or voluntarily for declining the COVID-19 vaccine to return to service, or to pursue correction of their military records, in accordance with Executive Order 14184 and Department of Defense guidance. Q2: Who is eligible to participate in this program? A: Former Marines who were involuntarily discharged or who voluntarily separated or allowed their contracts to lapse rather than comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate are eligible to apply. Eligibility depends on meeting current retention standards or obtaining waivers where applicable. Q3: Is there a deadline to apply for reinstatement or record correction? A: Yes. All requests for reinstatement or record correction must be submitted no later than 28 February 2026. Q4: How do I begin the process? A: All applicants must complete the Marine Corps Reinstatement Questionnaire. Based on your responses, you will be routed to the correct process for reinstatement, re-accession, or record correction. Q5: Can I be reinstated into a different component than the one I separated from? A: No. You may only be reinstated into the same component (Active Duty or Reserve) from which you were separated.
To support accurate compensation assessment, you should be prepared to provide documentation such as tax returns, proof of VA benefits, or civilian earnings during the separation period. This will help determine any offsets that apply to your compensation package. Q7: What is required for reinstatement? A: You must:
Complete the reinstatement questionnaire
Meet current retention standards (or request a waiver)
Submit a DD Form 149 for BCNR review
Commit to a minimum 4-year service obligation
Q8: Will I return at the same rank and pay grade? A: Yes. If approved for reinstatement, you will return at the rank and pay grade held at the time of separation. Q9: Do I need to contact a recruiter? A: Yes. All Marines seeking reinstatement will work with a Marine Corps recruiter (Active or Prior Service) to complete the process and package submission. Q10: How long does the process take? A: Timelines may vary depending on BCNR review, compensation assessment, and waiver processing. You will be supported throughout the process. Q11: Who determines what compensation I am owed and how is it calculated? A: Once your reinstatement is approved by the BCNR, your case will be reviewed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and the Defense Health Agency (DHA), as applicable. They calculate compensation based on your service record, including pay, allowances, bonuses, and healthcare access lost due to separation. Any income or benefits received during the separation period will be considered when determining final compensation.
Q11: Am I eligible for reinstatement if I voluntarily left the service? A: Yes. You may seek re-accession, provided you meet retention standards and submit a signed attestation confirming that your separation was voluntary due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Q12: Will I receive backpay or bonuses if I return? A: No. Voluntarily separated Marines are not eligible for backpay, bonuses, or compensation. Q13: Is there a service obligation if I return? A: Yes. You must commit to a minimum of 4 years of active service upon re-accession. Q14: What documentation do I need? A: You will need:
A completed questionnaire
A signed attestation form
Standard enlistment documentation
Q15: Do I still work with a recruiter? A: Yes. All re-accessions are coordinated through Marine Corps recruiters or Prior Service Recruiters.
Q19: What if I don’t want to return but want my record corrected? A: You may submit a DD Form 149 to the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) to request a change to your discharge characterization, narrative reason, or other record-related items. Q20: Is there support available for submitting to BCNR? A: Yes. The Reinstatement Cell can assist with process guidance, but the DD Form 149 must be signed and submitted by the applicant. Q21: Can I pursue record correction and later request reinstatement? A: Yes, but all reinstatement requests must still be submitted by 28 February 2026. For more information or to begin your process, visit the Marine Corps COVID-19 Reinstatement website or contact us at mcrcpsr@marines.usmc.mil.