In a significant development, the Pentagon has been directed to develop a process to identify transgender military personnel within 30 days. Following identification, the Department of Defense must commence the separation of these individuals from service within an additional 30-day timeframe. This directive exceeds the restrictions previously placed on transgender service members during the first administration of former President Donald Trump.
The recent memo, dated February 26, has been filed in court as part of an ongoing lawsuit initiated by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLAD Law. The lawsuit contests the constitutionality of an executive order signed by Trump in January, arguing that it breaches the equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment. Advocates have criticized this executive order as unprecedented in its scope.
The U.S. military comprises approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel, and estimates suggest there could be as many as 15,000 transgender service members. However, Pentagon officials acknowledge that the precise number is likely in the low thousands. The new directive marks a continuation of the Pentagon's policy stance, which had already prohibited transgender individuals from enlisting and halted procedures related to gender transition for current service members.
“It is the policy of the United States government to establish high standards for service member readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity,”
Waivers will be available for those who meet specific criteria, including the ability to deploy to combat zones. Despite these provisions, advocates maintain that the policy is a comprehensive expulsion of transgender individuals from military service.
“The scope and severity of this ban is unprecedented. It is a complete purge of all transgender individuals from military service,” said Shannon Minter of the National Center For Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
The policy's critics argue that it conflicts with established medical and mental health practices concerning individuals diagnosed with or exhibiting symptoms of gender dysphoria.
“This policy is inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria or who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria.”
The directive has sparked debate over its implications for military cohesion and the ethical responsibilities of service members.
“not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member,” remarked Donald Trump.