Expanding Reasonable Ranks Across the Nation
- Kirk Carlson
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Covenant of Courage
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⚖️ A Movement for Fairness and Reform
The #ReasonableRanks Campaign began as a small but determined effort to confront one of the most overlooked injustices in military policy — the lack of reasonable accommodations for injured and disabled service members. What started as a single petition has now grown into a national movement calling for systemic reform in how the U.S. military handles medical discharges.
With more than 600 signatures and counting, Covenant of Courage is proving that when veterans and civilians unite behind a common cause, meaningful change is possible.
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🩸 The Hidden Civil Rights Gap in Military Service
In civilian life, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities.
In the military, however, no such protection exists.
If a service member becomes injured or ill — even if their skills remain valuable — they can be medically discharged instead of reassigned. This means the loss of:
• A career they’ve spent years building
• A sense of identity and purpose
• The income and stability needed to support their families
This isn’t just a policy oversight — it’s a civil rights gap hidden in plain sight.
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🌍 From Local Advocacy to National Reform
Covenant of Courage’s Reasonable Ranks Campaign started in California, but its message is resonating across the nation. Chapters of veterans, advocates, and supporters are forming in multiple states, each rallying around a single, powerful idea:
“Service shouldn’t end because of injury — it should evolve.”
Through partnerships with city officials, veteran organizations, colleges, and faith communities, the campaign is spreading awareness, collecting testimonies, and preparing to bring the issue directly to Congress.
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🛡️ What We’re Fighting For
1. Policy Change at the Federal Level
Advocate for laws that allow injured or non-deployable service members to be reassigned to alternative duties instead of being discharged.
2. Establishment of Reassignment Programs
Create official transition roles within the Department of Defense that utilize the skills of injured personnel in training, mentorship, or support capacities.
3. Public Awareness and Legal Education
Help veterans understand their post-service rights under the ADA and other laws, while pushing for stronger accountability within the military system.
4. Community-Based Reintegration Programs
Expand Covenant of Courage’s veteran-led initiatives such as JLBC Cadet Corps, Warrior Bootcamp, and Dads Supporting Dads — proving that recovery and leadership go hand-in-hand.
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🗽 The Call to Action
We’re calling on veterans, active-duty members, families, and supporters to join the movement. Whether you’ve served, been medically discharged, or simply believe in fairness — your voice matters.
🖊 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com
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Together, we can redefine what military service looks like in the 21st century.
The next mission isn’t about war — it’s about justice, compassion, and inclusion.
The movement is growing.
The nation is watching.
Reasonable Ranks is rising.
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