The Pentagon has mandated the removal of transgender service members diagnosed with or treated for gender dysphoria.
Under the directive, military branches have until March 26 to establish procedures for identifying affected personnel, with removal set to begin within 30 days afterward.
This policy builds on a 2017 executive order from President Donald Trump that sought to ban transgender individuals from military service, a move that has faced legal challenges and widespread criticism.
Preliminary estimates suggest that hundreds of transgender troops could be identified through medical records, though the total number may be significantly higher.
An independent study by the Palm Center in 2018 estimated approximately 14,000 transgender individuals serve in the U.S. military.
Critics of the policy, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, have condemned it as discriminatory.
Sarah Warbelow, vice president for legal affairs at the Human Rights Campaign, highlighted the challenges transgender troops now face, including the possibility of being “outed” by others or forced to self-identify.
vvWarbelow described the policy as creating a harmful environment that pressures service members to choose between their safety and compliance with orders.
The Pentagon memo claims that gender dysphoria is incompatible with military standards due to associated medical and psychological challenges.
It describes gender as “immutable” and asserts that transitioning undermines the integrity of the armed forces.
Exceptions are limited and highly restrictive, requiring transgender individuals to demonstrate they directly support warfighting efforts or prove long-term stability in their biological sex without transitioning.
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Even with a waiver, service members would still be restricted to their biological sex in facilities, housing, and formal recognition.
The policy has rekindled debates about inclusivity and fairness within the military, with lawsuits challenging its implementation.
Advocates have urged transgender troops to seek clarity from their commanding officers and await further guidance, as legal proceedings could alter the directive.
This marks a significant shift in military policy, reversing progress made under the Biden administration, which had lifted the transgender ban during his presidency.
