A recent memo reveals that the Air Force will not grant early retirement benefits to transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years, regardless of prior approvals for early retirement.
Transgender personnel who either choose to leave voluntarily or are compelled to exit due to policies set by the previous administration will receive enhanced voluntary separation pay, as reported initially by Reuters.
A memo from May by Gwendolyn R. DeFilippi, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, had indicated that those with 15 to 18 years of service could apply for a temporary early retirement option (TERA). Typically, members of the military can retire after 20 years of service.
An Air Force spokesperson has yet to respond to requests for comments about the new policy. However, they mentioned to Reuters that about 12 transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service were “nominated for early retirement.”
In a memo dated August 4, Brian Scarlett, acting Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, noted that after careful review, early retirement requests from transgender members with 15 to 18 years of service were disapproved. The memo did not provide an explanation for this decision.
A Presidential Order from Trump, issued on January 27, contended that transgender individuals could not meet the “strict standards” necessary for military service, arguing that their inclusion could undermine military readiness and cohesion. However, a study by Rand Corp. commissioned by the Pentagon in 2016 found no adverse effects on unit cohesion or operational effectiveness from allowing transgender service.
Lawsuits brought forth by transgender service members and LGBTQ rights organizations assert that the administration’s policies, which have been permitted by the Supreme Court since May, are discriminatory and unlawful.
Master Sergeant Logan Ireland, a primary plaintiff in one such case, served 15 years in the Air Force before the Trump administration’s policies took effect. He had applied for and received approval for early retirement benefits slated for December 1, 2025.
However, on Wednesday, Air Force officials informed him that his retirement was canceled, meaning he would separate without the previously granted benefits. “I served honorably. I earned numerous awards for leadership and excellence, deployed in combat situations, and led teams globally while proudly wearing this uniform. Now, without any warning, I’m being forced out—not due to misconduct, but simply because I’m transgender,” Ireland expressed.
He indicated that the rescinding of early retirement benefits for him and other transgender service members occurred without individual reviews, justifications, or legal reasoning. “Our removal is being conducted without dignity, transparency, or respect for dedicated service members. This isn’t merely a policy change; it feels like a betrayal,” Ireland stated.
