A recent memo from the Department of Defense indicates that screening for gender differences will be incorporated into the annual health assessments, part of a broader initiative to remove transgender service members from the U.S. military.
The memo, signed by the Deputy Staff and Head of Preparation, instructs senior officials to “start identifying affected service members” during the Department’s routine health evaluations.
According to the guidance, symptoms related to gender discomfort, including a history of such discomfort, will lead to referrals for a diagnosis indicating a misalignment with biological sex, in order to ensure adherence to medical standards.
After President Trump took office in January, he reversed a previous order that allowed transgender individuals to serve in the military and established an executive order addressing gender discomfort, though management has not clarified how such discomfort would determine one’s suitability for military service.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promptly moved to enforce the policy, although it was halted after legal challenges.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court permitted the administration to implement a ban on transgender military personnel, prompting Hegseth to direct that those who do not voluntarily leave by early June could be removed.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell noted last week that about 1,000 units had self-reported a diagnosis of gender discomfort and would start a voluntary separation process.
However, the Secretary of Defense believes the total number of affected service members is much higher, estimating around 4,200, according to a Pentagon official.
In Hegseth’s communication, active-duty transgender service members have until June 6th to voluntarily separate and may qualify for separation pay, while those in reserve have until July 7th.
Failure to separate by these deadlines could result in reduced retirement benefits and possible discharge, officials warned.
To identify those who haven’t voluntarily left, the military will incorporate questions about gender discomfort into the annual health assessment process, while unit commanders will also have the authority to flag individuals displaying “symptoms consistent with gender discomfort.”
