According to a memo obtained by Reuters, the US Air Force is denying early retirement, along with retirement benefits, to trans-identifying service members with 15 to 18 years of military service.
“After careful consideration of the individual applications, I am disapproving all Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) exception to policy requests in Tabs 1 and 2 for members with 15-18 years of service,” the memo stated, which was authored by assistant secretary of the Air Force Brian Scarlett.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force told The Associated Press, “although service members with 15 to 18 years of honorable service were permitted to apply for an exception to policy, none of the exceptions to policy were approved.”
According to the Pentagon, the US military presently has 4,240 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Since his appointment in the second Trump administration, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been focused on removing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from the military. This move is related to the Department of Defense’s prior decision to bar new transgender recruitments in the military.
In May the US Supreme Court gave permission to the Department of Defense to move forward with the exclusion of transgender troops from the military. A memo issued then provides protocol to commanders for members who trans-identify.
“Accessions and In-service Transition for Persons Identifying as Transgender, is rescinded, commanders are authorized to place members on administrative absence to maintain good order and discipline.”
