A leaked Pentagon memo mandates the identification and removal of transgender personnel from the U.S. military unless they qualify for an exemption.
The directive follows Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s implementation of a ban on transgender individuals enlisting in the military earlier this month. According to Reuters, the memo, which was filed in court on Wednesday (26 February), takes this policy further by requiring a formal process to identify transgender troops within 30 days and begin separating them from service within the following month.
Stringent Standards for Exemptions
The memo states that the U.S. government aims to uphold “high standards for service member readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity.” It argues that these standards are “inconsistent” with individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria or those exhibiting its symptoms.
Service members can only qualify for an exemption if they meet strict criteria, including demonstrating “36 consecutive months of stability in their sex without clinically significant distress.” The exemption process also requires a compelling government interest in retaining the service member, particularly in roles that “directly support war-fighting capabilities.”
Legal Challenge to the Ban
The memo was reportedly submitted in court as part of an ongoing lawsuit led by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. The legal challenge seeks to overturn the policy, arguing that former President Donald Trump’s initial transgender military ban in 2017 was already ruled unconstitutional. The lawsuit asserts that the latest order contradicts core American values of equal opportunity and evaluating individuals based on merit.
Voices from the Military and Public Support
Second Lieutenant Nicolas Talbott, a transgender service member involved in the lawsuit, expressed his frustration, stating:
“When you put on the uniform, differences fall away, and what matters is your ability to do the job. Every individual must meet the same objective and rigorous qualifications in order to serve.”
“It has been my dream and my goal to serve my country for as long as I can remember. My being transgender has no bearing on my dedication to the mission, my commitment to my unit, or my ability to perform my duties in accordance with the high standards expected of me and every service member.”
Despite the policy changes, public sentiment remains largely in favour of transgender inclusion in the military. A recent survey revealed that 58% of Americans support openly transgender individuals serving in the military.
