The Pentagon has initiated a directive to remove up to 1,000 openly transgender service members from military service and provide others 30 days to self-identify as transgender. This move comes after a Supreme Court ruling allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed a firm stance against what he termed “wokeness,” stating the department will no longer accommodate gender identities that conflict with biological sex.
To identify affected troops, the Pentagon will review medical records for service members with diagnosed gender dysphoria, stating that as of late 2024, around 4,240 such diagnoses exist across active duty, National Guard, and Reserve forces. While the number may be higher, precise tracking of transgender personnel is challenging. The memo mirrors previous directives that were stalled by legal actions but is now moving forward following the Supreme Court’s decision.
The policy establishes deadlines for self-identification—active duty soldiers have until June 6, while those in the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7. Transgender service members will be involuntarily discharged, with no new enlistees permitted who have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
Exceptions to the ban may exist for those who can demonstrate a critical need related to warfighting activities or who maintain a stable status in their biological sex for 36 months without significant distress. However, even if exceptions are granted, individuals will still be recognized based on biological sex in areas such as accommodations and official titles. The costs incurred for transgender-related medical care from 2015 to 2024 are estimated at $52 million, reflecting the ongoing financial implications of this policy shift.
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