Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brandon Budge, a decorated Black Hawk helicopter pilot, now faces an involuntary separation from the U.S. Army on September 1, 2025. His offense? Objecting to the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate implemented in 2021—later declared “unlawful as implemented” by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Despite top military officials expressing concern and promising reform, meaningful action remains elusive for Justice.
A Career on the Line
CW3 Budge’s military service and reputation have come under threat, not due to misconduct, but for exercising judgment during a chaotic and controversial period in U.S. military history. Like many service members, Budge raised concerns about the legality, health risks, and rushed nature of the vaccine rollout. For this, he was met with administrative consequences rather than fair consideration.
In March 2025, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George advised Budge to file an appeal to the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR), suggesting it would fix the situation. According to Budge, George promised he would “get it fixed.” However, by May 22, the board denied Budge’s application without further recourse.
Read More: Juneteenth Strategy by Wesley Johnson and Mary Helen Rogers
Silence from the Top
Following the denial, investigative journalist J.M. Phelps reached out directly to both Gen. George and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll. The letters requested clarification and support but were met with total silence—a response, or lack thereof, that speaks volumes about current military leadership’s unwillingness to confront the fallout from COVID-era mandates.
Growing Criticism from Military Voices
Former Army public affairs officer and podcast host Dr. Chase Spears voiced his deep frustration. His message: “Less talk, more action.” Spears criticized what he calls the “hollow empathy” displayed by top generals. He argues that senior officials routinely offer lip service while avoiding accountability for decisions that impacted thousands of careers.
“They’re not following through. It’s no longer about blaming the last administration. It’s about whether today’s leaders have the moral courage to act,” Spears said.
He added that Gen. George and others are “holdover generals,” many of whom were promoted for enforcing vaccine mandates. Spears believes their continued presence undermines the efforts of President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth to reform the military and correct unlawful actions.
Voices of Support and Outrage
The response from the broader military and veteran community has been swift and emotional:
Lt. Col. Theresa Long, an Army flight surgeon and COVID-19 whistleblower, condemned the treatment of CW3 Budge and his family as “an absolute disgrace.”
Lt. Ted Macie, retired Navy officer and whistleblower, said it was “disgraceful that doing the right thing hinges on public pressure rather than principle.”
Col. Tom “Buzz” Rempfer, retired Air Force officer and author, called for the immediate removal of adverse actions taken against service members under the illegal mandate.
These voices underscore a rising tide of frustration that spans ranks and services.
Failure to Act Undermines Military Trust
Military culture places a premium on honor, integrity, and loyalty. When senior leaders fail to uphold promises, it weakens morale and tarnishes trust in the chain of command. In CW3 Budge’s case, multiple senior officials acknowledged the injustice—but none have taken concrete action to remedy it.
For many veterans and active-duty personnel, this case is symbolic of broader failures that began during the pandemic and continue under current leadership. The denial of Budge’s application reflects a deeper issue: an institution reluctant to admit wrongdoing and hesitant to correct its course.
The Call for Accountability
Dr. Spears emphasized that the military can no longer hide behind the excuse of inherited problems. According to him, if senior officials like Gen. George won’t take action, they should be replaced.
“We’re past the point of grace. If they can’t fix it, they need to step aside,” he stated.
This sentiment has gained traction online. The hashtag #RescueAndRestore is being used to demand accountability and push for systemic reform within the Department of Defense.
Why CW3 Budge’s Case Matters
This is more than one man’s battle—it’s about setting a precedent for how the U.S. military handles unlawful mandates, whistleblower retaliation, and failed promises by leadership. If CW3 Budge is separated without justice, it sends a chilling message to other service members who spoke up during the pandemic.
It also undermines confidence in Defense Secretary Hegseth’s efforts to bring accountability and reform to a military still grappling with the consequences of COVID-19-era policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is CW3 Brandon Budge?
CW3 Brandon Budge is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army facing discharge due to his objection to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2021.
Why is he being separated from the Army?
He opposed the safety and implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine, which has since been declared “unlawful as implemented.” However, the Army has not corrected his record or reinstated his career.
What is the BCMR?
The Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) is a formal body where service members can appeal to fix errors or injustices in their military records.
What did Gen. Randy George promise?
He advised Budge to apply to the BCMR and promised to “get it fixed,” but did not follow through when the appeal was denied.
Has the Army responded to public inquiries?
No. Both Gen. George and Secretary Driscoll have ignored direct letters from journalist J.M. Phelps and have not issued public statements.
Who else has spoken in support of Budge?
Support has come from Lt. Col. Theresa Long, Lt. Ted Macie, Col. Tom Rempfer, and Dr. Chase Spears—each calling for action and accountability.
What does the public think?
Many see Budge’s situation as part of a larger pattern of neglect and injustice related to COVID-19 military mandates. Online support continues to grow.
What is being done to help Budge now?
Advocates are pushing for public awareness and urging Defense Secretary Hegseth and President Trump to intervene directly to restore Budge’s career.
Conclusion
The treatment of CW3 Brandon Budge is rapidly becoming a defining test of the military’s post-COVID accountability. With time running out before his separation date, inaction speaks louder than promises. For leaders who claimed to support fairness and justice, now is the moment to prove it with action—not words.
As military members and veterans continue to rally behind Budge, the message to Pentagon leadership is clear: restore those wronged, correct the records, and rebuild trust before more careers are needlessly lost.
