Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brandon Budge is facing separation from the Army on September 1 due to his objections concerning the COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and efficacy, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared “unlawful as implemented.” This situation raises critical questions about the balance between military regulations and individual rights.
In March, Budge, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, sought to salvage his military career after receiving advice from Gen. Randy George, the Army’s Chief of Staff. Budge was encouraged to submit a request for relief to the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR), with Gen. George assuring him that he would “get it fixed.” However, Budge’s application was denied on May 22, demonstrating a stark contrast between promises made and actions taken.
After this denial, J.M. Phelps reached out to Gen. George on June 5, requesting a comment on the situation. A follow-up letter was sent to Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll on June 11, referencing George’s previous assurance. Both officials chose to ignore these inquiries, leaving a cloud of frustration and unanswered questions hanging over the case.
Top military leaders have said what we want to hear. But on many issues, they’re not following through with action.
In the Army, we had a saying that after 90 days you own the unit and can’t blame the last guy anymore.
It’s time to see those wronged under the last regime made… https://t.co/zFsiY9Pgkp
— Chase Spears (@DrChaseSpears) June 14, 2025
In a subsequent dialogue with , Dr. Chase Spears, a retired Army public affairs officer and host of the Finding Your Spine podcast, criticized the lack of accountability among senior military officials. He emphasized that Gen. George’s promise to assist CW3 Budge was an empty gesture, reflecting a broader trend where high-ranking officers often fail to act on their commitments.
Dr. Spears expressed skepticism that Gen. George would follow through on his promise to Budge or respond to Phelps’s letters. “I’d be shocked,” he remarked, highlighting the rarity of humility in senior military ranks and the systemic barriers that prevent accountability.
Adding to the concerns, Dr. Spears noted that Gen. George represents a continuation of leadership that enforced COVID-19 policies under the previous administration, often punishing those who dared to question the narrative. “Only after public sentiment shifts do they show empathy for those wronged during their tenure, yet actions continue to fall short of words,” he lamented. “Admitting past mistakes seems to be a bridge too far for these officials.”
Dr. Spears called for a significant overhaul of senior Pentagon leadership, asserting that unless new officers are appointed to replace those who mismanaged the COVID-19 policies, the military will continue to struggle with the consequences of past decisions.
“We’ve moved past attributing the Pentagon’s issues to the previous administration,” he stated. “If senior officials like Gen. George refuse to take concrete steps to rectify situations like that of CW3 Budge, it’s time for them to step aside.”
The military community has echoed these sentiments, with Lt. Col. Theresa Long, an Army flight surgeon and whistleblower, expressing outrage at the treatment of Budge and his family. “This is an absolute disgrace! There is no accountability in our military,” she declared, highlighting how the same leaders who failed to safeguard their personnel remain in power.
I know CW3 Brandon Budge and what they have done to him and his family is an absolute disgrace! There is no accountability in our military and the same “leaders” that destroyed the lives and careers of tens of thousands of servicemembers are still in leadership positions and… https://t.co/bBa6Llc5j4
— Theresa M Long, MD, MPH, FS (@LTCTheresaLong) June 14, 2025
Retired Navy Medical Service Corps officer Lt. Ted Macie also criticized the situation, stating, “It is disgraceful that doing the right thing apparently hinges on public pressure rather than principle.” He emphasized that the refusal to grant Budge relief speaks volumes about the current state of military leadership.
The denial of CW3 Budge’s BCMR record correction and the continued refusal to grant him relief speak volumes. All we’ve heard is talk and not a shred of meaningful action.
It is disgraceful that doing the right thing apparently hinges on public pressure rather than principle.…
— Ted (@ted_macie) June 15, 2025
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Tom “Buzz” Rempfer, author of Unyielding: Marathons Against Illegal Mandates, urged military offices to take swift action to rectify adverse personnel actions stemming from the unlawful COVID mandate. His call for decisive measures underscores the urgency of addressing these injustices.
@DoD_USD_PR – please act on this Warrant Officer’s case promptly – give this pilot the confidence you’re on it, doing your job – please provide some outreach.@SecDef – please ensure @DeptofDefense implements your 23 APR 25 directive to remove adverse personnel actions related… https://t.co/josLc2qfNY
— Thomas Rempfer (@rempfer_thomas) June 16, 2025
Dr. Spears concluded with a rallying cry for the military community, encouraging readers to amplify Budge’s story on social media using the hashtag #RescueAndRestore, a plea for action that resonates with the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice within the ranks.
