Transgender troops are now being identified for removal under Pentagon orders
The Hindu
Military services have 30 days to identify and remove transgender troops, sparking controversy and legal challenges.
The military services have 30 days to figure out how they will seek out and identify transgender service members to remove them from the force — a daunting task that may end up relying on troops self-reporting or tattling on their colleagues.
A memo sent to Defense Department leaders on Thursday (February 27, 2025) — after the Pentagon filed it late Wednesday (February 26, 2025) as part of a response to a lawsuit — orders the services to set up procedures to identify troops diagnosed with or being treated for gender dysphoria by March 26. They will then have 30 days to begin removing those troops from service.
Also read: Trump vows to ‘stop transgender lunacy’ as a top priority
The order expands on the executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump during his early days in office setting out steps toward banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. The directive has been challenged in court.
A senior defense official said Thursday (February 27, 2025) they believe there are about 4,200 troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria currently serving in the active duty, National Guard and Reserves.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel issues, said that between 2015 and 2024, the total cost for psychotherapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery and other treatment for service members is about $52 million.
There are about 2.1 million troops serving.
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