In a remarkable return to military service, Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, has reenlisted in the Marine Corps reserves after 15 years away from active duty. This decision highlights his enduring commitment to serve his country, despite his outspoken criticisms of the Biden administration's actions regarding Afghanistan.
Meyer, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011 by then-President Barack Obama for his heroic actions during a deadly ambush in Afghanistan, expressed his desire to give back to the military community. "I realized I had more to give," he stated during a briefing with reporters on April 17, 2025, just before his reenlistment ceremony at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. "I love this country with every moral fiber of my being. I always have. The same reason that I joined 20 years ago is the same reason I’m coming back in. I’ve just got more to give and it’s just such an honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women wearing the nation’s cloth today."
On September 8, 2009, during a six-hour firefight in Afghanistan’s Ganjgal Valley, Meyer charged into enemy fire multiple times to rescue his comrades, saving 36 lives in total, which included both U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers. His audacious actions resulted in the deaths of at least eight Taliban insurgents, but tragically, four American service members lost their lives in the ambush, with a fifth dying later from his injuries.
Meyer’s return to the Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman is notable, as he is now one of only two active service members awarded the Medal of Honor, alongside Army Sgt. Maj. Matthew O. Williams. In preparation for his reenlistment, Meyer passed both the Physical and Combat Fitness Tests, which he noted have become more demanding since he first enlisted at 17. "The standards are higher," he remarked. "The demands are higher. And it just means the men and women who are wearing the nation’s cloth are better, and they are doing great things."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who administered the oath of reenlistment, emphasized Meyer’s commitment to actively engage in military duties rather than serving as a mere figurehead. "He’s not signing up to be on a recruiting poster. He’s signing up to do the real thing," Hegseth stated. Meyer has made it clear that he does not seek any special treatment and is eager to serve alongside his fellow Marines in a manner consistent with military standards.
Over the last two years, Meyer had discussions with senior Marine officials about reenlisting, and he expressed a strong desire to return to duty. "I would say that there has probably not been a day that I’ve been out that I haven’t wanted to come back in," he told reporters. "I finally just got to a point where I felt like I would be an asset and I felt like I could come back in and contribute."
While Meyer has been politically vocal, particularly regarding the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, he has committed to refraining from political discussions while in uniform. "When I’m on orders, I’ll comply obviously with whatever the standard is," he said, underlining his respect for military conduct.
After leaving the military in 2010, Meyer transitioned into civilian life, where he became a firefighter and an entrepreneur. He also gained media attention through his marriage to Bristol Palin, daughter of former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, with whom he shares two children. Despite his high-profile marriage and public persona, Meyer has remained focused on advocating for fellow veterans and service members.
Meyer’s commitment to his fellow Marines extends beyond mere words. He has been an outspoken supporter of Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, who faced disciplinary action for publicly criticizing military leadership over the Afghanistan withdrawal. Meyer’s advocacy reflects his dedication to the principles he holds dear, as he strives to ensure that the voices of service members are heard.
As Meyer embarks on this new chapter in his military career, he aims to immerse himself fully in the role of a sergeant, willing to perform any task required of him, whether that means sweeping floors or engaging in combat training. "I’m fully going to immerse into whatever they need me to do and just show up every single day and be a sergeant in the Marine Corps," he affirmed. "I think it’s going to be fine. I don’t know it’s going to be that big of a deal."
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos A. Ruiz, noted that Meyer’s return is significant, not only for its rarity but also for the high standards he has set for himself. Meyer requested to return at his previous rank of sergeant, emphasizing his commitment to meet the same requirements as all other Marines. "He knows our culture and he knows we wouldn’t want it any other way," Ruiz stated.
Meyer’s reenlistment has garnered attention as a symbol of dedication and resilience, demonstrating that even those who have achieved the highest honors can continue to serve. Hegseth praised Meyer’s decision, stating, "This is a guy who has put it all on the line, done the most difficult things you can imagine, tested the human resolve, and yet after all of that he is standing before us today saying, ‘I want to do this.’ That’s an example."
As Dakota Meyer steps back into the ranks of the Marine Corps, he not only reaffirms his commitment to service but also inspires a new generation of service members to embody the values of courage, sacrifice, and dedication. His journey reflects the ongoing story of those who serve in the armed forces, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on their country and their comrades.
