Department of War COVID-19 After Action Policy Review
DoW, COVID
Background
The Department of War (DoW) is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the nation’s military forces to protect US national security interests. Through its military departments, combatant commands, and defense agencies, the DoW oversees military readiness, strategic planning, personnel management, and the development and sustainment of defense capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace domains. The DoW uses vaccines to protect military personnel from diseases that can cause death and impair operational readiness. Historically, DoW vaccine policies have focused on preserving force health and readiness, while balancing administrative requirements with individual medical considerations. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate, implemented in August 2021 and revoked in January 2023, has prompted discussion within the institution regarding policy consistency, exemption processes, and the long-term implications for medical readiness requirements.
Project Description
The Academy will conduct a comprehensive, independent evaluation of the DoW’s COVID-19 vaccine policy and its rescission using a structured, multiphase methodology grounded in program evaluation standards, evidence-based analysis, and transparent stakeholder engagement. The scope of the evaluation will include
- A chronological review of DoW’s COVID-19 response, from initial response through vaccine development, mandate implementation, rescission, and reinstatement;
- An examination of exemption and discharge decisions, focusing on policy consistency, fairness, and outcomes;
- An assessment of operational impacts on readiness, retention, morale, and deployability across the Military Departments;
- Stakeholder perspectives to ensure findings reflect both the documented policy and its on-the-ground effects.
The Academy will develop evidence-based findings and actionable recommendations aligned with DoW’s operational, legal, and institutional framework.
A four-member Expert Panel of Fellows will oversee and guide this study. Two DoW Advisors will help connect the Study Team to stakeholders affected by the mandate and provide input throughout the project. Information on the Panel, Advisors, and Study Team is provided on the next page. The final report, including findings, recommendations, and executive briefings, will be completed by December 2026.
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Project OverviewPursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Title 5, Appendix 2, § 15, NAPA is required to provide public notice of the names and brief biographies of appointed study panel members and provide a reasonable opportunity for the public to comment on such appointments. Any concerns about the prospective (Panel or Expert Advisory Group) members should be directed to Brenna Isman, Director of Academy Studies (brenna.isman@napawash.org).
