Up to 1,000 Transgender Troops Face Removal Under New Pentagon Directive

The Pentagon has launched the immediate removal of up to 1,000 openly transgender service members and issued a 30-day window for others to self-identify, according to a directive released Thursday.

The move follows a Supreme Court decision on Tuesday allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.

The Defense Department will review medical records to identify additional transgender troops who have not yet come forward.

As of Dec. 9, 2024, 4,240 active duty, National Guard, and Reserve troops were diagnosed with gender dysphoria, though officials note the number could be higher.

This represents a small fraction of the 2.1 million total service members.

Policy Roots and Implementation

The Thursday memo echoes a February directive that was delayed by legal challenges. The initial policy granted service members 30 days to self-identify, leading to about 1,000 doing so.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the 1,000 troops who already self-identified “will begin the voluntary separation process.”

Active duty troops have until June 6, and National Guard and Reserve members until July 7, to voluntarily identify themselves.

Troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria face involuntary separation, and new enlistments with this diagnosis are prohibited.

Limited exemptions exist for those who can prove they support specific warfighting needs, have not transitioned, and remain stable in their biological sex for 36 months without significant distress.

Even with waivers, only biological sex is recognized for facilities and official titles.

Voices from the Affected

Rae Timberlake, a 17-year Navy veteran and Sparta Pride spokesperson, is among the 1,000 who self-identified.

“There’s no guarantee to access to your pension or severance or an honorable discharge,” Timberlake said, warning that rejecting the buyout could jeopardize benefits.

Timberlake added, “This is not voluntary. This is a decision that folks are coming to under duress. [...] These are 1,000 transgender troops that would be serving if the conditions were not created to force them into making a decision for their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of their family long-term.”

Leadership’s Stance

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who issued the directive, reiterated his position on X: “No More Trans @ DoD.”

At a Tampa conference, he declared, “No more pronouns.”

“No more dudes in dresses. We’re done with that s---,” he added.

The policy aligns with broader administration actions, including VA healthcare restrictions for LGBTQ+ veterans.

The directive marks a significant shift, raising concerns about military recruitment and veterans’ benefits amid ongoing debates over inclusion and readiness.