The United States will remove transgender troops from military service unless they obtain a waiver under strict conditions, according to a Pentagon memo released Wednesday.
The policy, outlined in a court filing related to a legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s executive order, mandates that service members with a current diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria will be processed for separation.
Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis if there is a compelling government interest in retaining the individual, particularly if their presence directly supports military operations. To qualify, troops must demonstrate they have never attempted gender transition and have maintained stability in their sex for 36 consecutive months without significant distress or impairment.
A separate Pentagon memo issued earlier this month also prohibits transgender individuals from enlisting and halts gender transition treatment for those already serving. The policy disqualifies applicants with a history of gender dysphoria, cross-sex hormone therapy, or sex reassignment surgery, though exceptions may be made if a compelling government interest is identified.
Shifting US Policies
Transgender military service has seen significant policy shifts in recent years. The Obama administration lifted the ban in 2016, allowing transgender troops to serve openly. However, the Trump administration initially delayed the recruitment of transgender individuals before reversing the policy altogether.
Trump’s restrictions, which evolved through court challenges, took effect in April 2019. They were later overturned by President Joe Biden in 2021, who reinstated the right of transgender individuals to serve openly.
Following his return to office in January, Trump issued an executive order reinforcing the ban, stating that gender identity divergent from an individual’s sex does not meet military standards.
The issue remains a divisive topic in US politics, with Republican and Democratic-led states enacting opposing policies on transgender rights, from medical care to public school regulations.
