Both Trump and his pick to lead the Pentagon have promised back pay for troops dismissed for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
At stake is the military's ability to adjust to the future of war and compete with China, its main rival.
