Dakota Meyer reenlists in Marine Corps reserves after long absence
- Dakota Meyer has decided to reenlist in the Marine Corps reserves after a gap of 15 years away from the military.
- He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2011 for his bravery during the Afghanistan War.
- His return to service highlights both his commitment to the military and his intention to separate politics from his role.
In April 2025, Dakota Meyer, a decorated Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Afghanistan War, announced his decision to reenlist in the Marine Corps reserves, marking a significant return to military service after 15 years away from uniform. Meyer, who was awarded the Medal of Honor by former President Barack Obama in 2011 for his extraordinary actions during a firefight in the Ganjgal Valley on September 8, 2009, expressed that he felt he had more to contribute to the military and his country. His reenlistment came during a ceremony at the Pentagon, which was significant given his previous high-profile criticisms of the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Despite his political connections to figures like President Donald Trump's former defense secretary, Meyer stated he would focus strictly on his role in the reserves and refrain from political involvement while serving. His valor in combat included charging into enemy fire multiple times to rescue fellow Marines and Afghan soldiers, actions that ultimately saved numerous lives during a brutal six-hour ambush by the Taliban. After his military service, Meyer stayed in the public eye, notably marrying Bristol Palin, daughter of former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, in 2016, and raising two children. He has also been outspoken about military issues, including the treatment of fellow service members who have been vocal about political matters while in uniform.