The Pentagon announced on Wednesday, February 26th, that it will begin discharging transgender service members within 30 days. This order follows President Donald Trump's decision last month to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military.
According to the Pentagon's statement, this decision is intended to maintain military readiness, cohesion, and integrity. Under the new policy, transgender service members will require special permission or waivers to remain in the military. Any exceptions for transgender service members to continue their service will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Human Rights Organizations' Criticism
This action is part of a controversial policy implemented during Trump's first term, which sought to prohibit transgender individuals from serving in the military. Numerous human rights organizations and transgender rights activists have protested this decision, deeming the policy discriminatory.
Approximately 15,000 Transgender Service Members on Active Duty
While the Department of Defense states that there are approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel in the U.S. military, transgender rights organizations estimate that around 15,000 transgender service members are currently on active duty. The Pentagon's figures are comparatively lower. The Pentagon's statement claims the policy aims to improve military readiness and performance.
Contradicts Biden Administration Policy
This order directly contradicts policies implemented by the Biden administration regarding the recruitment and medical care of transgender service members. Biden had previously allowed transgender individuals to enlist and serve in the military; however, that policy has now been reversed.
The military has also clarified that transgender individuals will no longer be recruited, and gender transition-related medical procedures for current members will be discontinued.
With this new decision, the prospect of transgender individuals serving in the military has effectively ended, requiring them to seek special permission to join or continue their service.
