Secretary Hegseth signed the attached memo with updated guidance on the review of requests from Service members and former Service members adversely impacted by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

This memo may be found on the DoD website at:  https://media.defense.gov/2025/Apr/23/2003696408/-1/-1/1/PROVIDING-SUPPLEMENTAL-REMEDIES-FOR-SERVICE-MEMBERS-AND-VETERANS-NEGATIVELY-IMPACTED-BY-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-DEFENSE-DEFUNCT-CORONAVIRUS-DISEASE-2019-VACCINATION.PDFSecretary Hegseth provided remarks about this memo via his X account: https://x.com/SecDef/status/1915164433157968186 

In addition, a DoD news article with additional context is found at this link:  https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4164505/defense-secretary-orders-additional-remedies-more-clarity-on-covid-19-reinstate/

Please review the attached.

Highlights:  Basic Red MCL Covers only (no Department or National-level covers); no collars (MODD or MOY/AMOY collars); either all members wear ribbons or all members do not wear ribbons...cannot have some wearing ribbons and some not wearing ribbons; Name tags ARE NOT authorized while performing Color Guard Detail.  Emphasis is on uniformity. Refer to section for inclement weather policy.

There is much more in this 45-page document, and all Detachments should be thoroughly familiar with this document prior to their next detail.

This document also references the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual, MCO 5060.20 (specifically for manual of arms), and the 2024 National MCL Administrative Procedures (Encl 3).  Please ensure your detachments are familiar with these two additional references prior to their next detail.

Semper Fi,

David Caballero

Dear GI Bill Partner,

Through a relatively recent change in how qualifying periods of military service impact benefits earned, beneficiaries (Veterans, service members, and their eligible dependents) may now be eligible for expanded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education and training benefits.

If a Veteran or service member served at least two periods of service—one that qualifies for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-Active Duty or MGIB-Selected Reserve) and a separate period of service that qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB)—they may be able to receive additional GI Bill benefits due to a recent Supreme Court decision.

On April 16, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States decided in Rudisill v. McDonough that beneficiaries who earn educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill may access benefits under either program for a maximum of 48 months of benefits. The education benefits must be earned through…

January 2, 2024

From: Warren Griffin, Natonal Commandant

To: All Members

RE: Membership Cards

On January 2, 2024, the Natonal Board of Trustees met and voted unanimously to make changes to the membership card and rosters.

1. The Profile ID number will be the primary membership number to identify members and will be utilized on the official membership card.