The U.S. Air Force announced on Thursday that it will deny early retirement options to transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years. Instead, these individuals will be separated from the service without retirement benefits. This decision affects service members who are already facing expulsion under policies established during the Trump administration.

Transgender service members now face a difficult choice: accept a lump-sum separation payment offered to junior troops or be involuntarily removed from the military. An Air Force spokesperson stated that while service members with 15 to 18 years of honorable service could apply for an exception to this policy, none were approved. Approximately a dozen service members had been prematurely informed that they could retire before this decision was reversed.

A memo issued earlier this week, which was reviewed, indicated that the decision to deny retirement benefits was made after careful consideration of individual applications. The policy change follows a Supreme Court ruling in May that allowed the Pentagon to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. Shortly after, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a policy offering currently serving transgender troops the option to voluntarily leave with a one-time separation payout or face involuntary separation at a later date.

A Pentagon official described the policy as one that treats affected individuals with "dignity and respect." However, many transgender troops have reported that the separation process has been dehumanizing, particularly as it involves reverting their service records to reflect their birth gender.

Shannon Leary, a lawyer representing LGBTQ+ individuals, expressed her concern about the new policy. "It seems quite arbitrary on its face and cruel," she said. "These military members have dedicated their lives to serving our country." Leary anticipates that lawsuits will be filed to challenge the Air Force's decision.

Logan Ireland, a master sergeant with 15 years of service, shared his feelings of betrayal and devastation upon learning that his retirement was denied. He described the moment when his chain of command delivered the news with tears in their eyes.

As of December 9, 2024, there were 4,240 active-duty troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria, according to Pentagon officials. However, this diagnosis does not encompass all transgender individuals, suggesting that the actual number of transgender service members may be higher. Under the new policy, active-duty troops had until June 6 to voluntarily identify themselves for separation benefits, while National Guard and Reserve members had until July 7. Pentagon officials plan to rely on commanders and annual medical screenings to identify any transgender service members who do not come forward.