Maree Buscke speaks with former New Zealand Defence Force members Paul Stanaway and Roger Earp about their legal battle against the NZDF’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Both men—Paul, a former chaplain, and Roger, a retired lieutenant colonel—outline how they and other Defence personnel took their case through the courts, winning at the Court of Appeal before ultimately losing at the Supreme Court. They express disappointment in the ruling and concern about being ordered to pay costs despite their case’s significant public interest. The conversation touches on the lasting impact on morale within the Defence Force, the ongoing inclusion of the COVID-19 vaccine in baseline requirements for new recruits, and the difference in approach compared to the New Zealand Police. With a heavy heart, both men admit they could no longer recommend a military career under the current conditions, despite their lifelong support for the service. Their message is one of moral conviction, concern for personnel welfare, and hope that public support continues to strengthen their cause.