Memo Reverses Previously Approved Retirements for Service Members Without Warning

The U.S. Air Force will no longer allow transgender service members with between 15 and 18 years of service to retire early, instead requiring them to separate from the military without retirement benefits. The decision, outlined in an August 4 memo obtained by Reuters, reverses previously approved retirements and gives affected personnel the same choice as more junior troops: accept a lump-sum separation payment or face discharge.

The change, signed by Brian Scarlett, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to remove transgender individuals from the ranks and prevent new enlistments. While officials have cited medica

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