Another issue yet to be resolved is related to the removal of adverse actions from service members’ files, said Younts, who claims multiple unvaccinated clients were fired from their command positions because, they were told, their superiors had lost confidence in their ability to command as a result of their vaccination status or request for religious exemption.

“Taking a letter of reprimand or adverse action out of a file doesn’t address that they were relieved of command for cause,” Younts argued, adding that it still leaves them ineligible for promotions, derailing their careers. This “applies to thousands of military members,” he said, who can’t be promoted, “go to training, or get leadership assignments.”