Service members are encountering numerous hurdles as they attempt to re-enlist in the military. Despite efforts to return, many remain sidelined for administrative reasons.
We recently spoke with former Petty Officer Gerardo Mares, a proud veteran who served nearly four years in the U.S. Navy. Back in August 2021, Mares was among the few at his command to object to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s controversial COVID-19 vaccine mandate—a mandate now rescinded.
Just before beginning his separation process in April 2022, a federal injunction stopped the Navy from discharging sailors who applied for religious exemptions to the vaccine. Grateful for the reprieve, Mares continued his service, though his battles with the system were far from over.
Between January and June 2023, Mares experienced surveillance by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) for voicing his views on social media. He had objected to the vaccine, transgenderism, and drag queen story hours. Despite enduring pressure over the vaccine, Mares found himself accused of “extremism and supremacy.”
Though Mares had approved leave scheduled for December 13, 2023, he was blindsided on December 11 with a 10-day separation notice, simply for sharing his thoughts online. Mares shared, “It was a spit in the face.”
“I was separated on January 5, 2024,” Mares recounted, describing the ordeal as “political detainment.” Bound to a 50-mile radius of his Washington, D.C. post, he was held back from visiting family for Christmas, forced to spend the holidays in isolation.
Despite overcoming attempts to marginalize him, Mares received a general discharge for misconduct of a serious offense. He explained, “Because of this, it will be impossible to get reinstated.”
Mares questioned whether his separation was due to his social media posts or retaliation for refusing the vaccine. He argues that requiring the vaccine was illegal under 10 USC §1107a, which asserts service members’ rights to informed consent—something not provided.
Mares urged, “Both President [Donald] Trump and the Department of Defense must re-evaluate what’s keeping service members from returning, especially those with conservative views.”
“Many of us want to serve again, but there’s little guidance for those with marks against our record for refusing the vaccine and more,” he concluded.
