Transgender service members will be removed from the U.S. military no later than June, according to a memo.
The memo was released as part of a filing in a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s order on military excellence.
“Service in the Military Services is open to all persons who can meet the high standards for military service and readiness without special accommodations,” the memo says. “It is the policy of the United States Government to establish high standards for Service member readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity. 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.”
Individuals who “have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria is incompatible with military service,” the memo notes. “Service by these individuals is not in the best interests of the Military Services and is not clearly consistent with the interests of national security.”
Service members exhibiting symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria will receive honorable discharge “except where the Service member’s record otherwise warrants a lower characterization.”
The memo goes on to assert that the Department of Defense “only recognizes two sexes: male and female.” Sex is “immutable, unchanging during a person’s life,” the memo states.
The document adds that transgender service members will be identified within 30 days. Separation from the DOD will then begin.
“The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs will be responsible for all data collection and reporting. The first report is due March 26, 2025. All Department of Defense and Military Service policy recissions and updates must be completed no later than June 25, 2025,” the memo notes. “Service members being processed for separation in accordance with this policy will be afforded all statutorily required rights and benefits.”
In January, six active-duty transgender service members and two former members seeking re-enlistment filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at revising military policy on transgender personnel.
