US military to start kicking out transgender troops next month, memo says

[Jessica_Rose]

US military to start kicking out transgender troops next month, memo says

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-military-to-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says/ar-AA1EqtuX?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=f84e40002e534dd6e2cab7b27b22773b&ei=92

Story by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali (8 May 2025)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued internal instructions to the Pentagon to start kicking out transgender troops who do not elect to leave on their own by June 6, according to a memo obtained by Reuters.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The decision was immediately condemned by transgender rights activists contacted by Reuters.

"It is just shameful," said Jennifer Levi, a senior director at the pro-LGBTQ legal group GLAD Law.

"It is senseless to fast track people out of the military who are meeting standards and putting lives on the line to defend the country."

Hegseth's memo illustrates how President Donald Trump's administration intends to swiftly act to remove thousands of transgender servicemembers after the Supreme Court's ruling on Tuesday cleared the way for a ban to take effect.

In the memo, Hegseth said active duty transgender troops could identify themselves for "voluntary separation" from the U.S. armed forces until June 6. Troops who are in the reserve forces had until July 7.

"On conclusion of the self-identification eligibility window, the Military Departments will initiate involuntary separation processes," the memo said.

[Lori Dee]

In the memo, Hegseth said active duty transgender troops could identify themselves for "voluntary separation" from the U.S. armed forces until June 6. Troops who are in the reserve forces had until July 7.

"On conclusion of the self-identification eligibility window, the Military Departments will initiate involuntary separation processes," the memo said.

I can see these veterans getting screwed on their DD 214 Discharge papers. Voluntary separation is one thing, but involuntary separation can have dire consequences. Their character of service had better be nothing less than "honorable".

[Annaliese]

I can see these veterans getting screwed on their DD 214 Discharge papers. Voluntary separation is one thing, but involuntary separation can have dire consequences. Their character of service had better be nothing less than "honorable".

I'd venture to say from DOD past history it will not.

[Annaliese]

I can see these veterans getting screwed on their DD 214 Discharge papers. Voluntary separation is one thing, but involuntary separation can have dire consequences. Their character of service had better be nothing less than "honorable".

You know the way that they say that transgender SVCMBRS are not fit to serve due to their medical liability etc, they should be given medical discharges. Especially since this is the basis for their not being able to serve.

[Lori Dee]

You know the way that they say that transgender SVCMBRS are not fit to serve due to their medical liability etc, they should be given medical discharges. Especially since this is the basis for their not being able to serve.

They tried to give me a medical discharge due to a back injury from an assault. I refused. I had been doing my job for 12 years after the injury. After Washington, DC decided that my condition was permanent, they marked me as ineligible for promotion and scheduled me for a hearing for a medical discharge.

Since I was the Master Gunner/Operations NCO, I was "extremely busy". I kept delaying the Medical Board Hearing by rescheduling. Since they only do them occasionally, I could postpone the hearing until after my ETS date (Expiration of Term of Service).

I walked away with an Honorable Discharge and complete copies of 14 years of medical records. I went to the VA and said I would like to apply for a disability rating. 

[Annaliese]

They tried to give me a medical discharge due to a back injury from an assault. I refused. I had been doing my job for 12 years after the injury. After Washington, DC decided that my condition was permanent, they marked me as ineligible for promotion and scheduled me for a hearing for a medical discharge.

Since I was the Master Gunner/Operations NCO, I was "extremely busy". I kept delaying the Medical Board Hearing by rescheduling. Since they only do them occasionally, I could postpone the hearing until after my ETS date (Expiration of Term of Service).

I walked away with an Honorable Discharge and complete copies of 14 years of medical records. I went to the VA and said I would like to apply for a disability rating. 

wouldn't you have also gotten a percent of your pay if you were medically retired? I know I was medically retired which allowed me to receive both pay and va disability.

[Lori Dee]

Yes. I did the math, and it was better to take the VA rating and go get a "real job" with good pay and benefits.

I went to work as a Security Technician through the Electricians' Union (IBEW). I made good money, had excellent health insurance, and a top-notch retirement plan. I think the medical discharge rating would have limited my options.

Of course, it didn't matter since I later slipped on some ice at home and had to have neck vertebrae fused. That put me on permanent disability.

[Annaliese]

Yes. I did the math, and it was better to take the VA rating and go get a "real job" with good pay and benefits.

I went to work as a Security Technician through the Electricians' Union (IBEW). I made good money, had excellent health insurance, and a top-notch retirement plan. I think the medical discharge rating would have limited my options.

Of course, it didn't matter since I later slipped on some ice at home and had to have neck vertebrae fused. That put me on permanent disability.

Makes sense. I ended up retiring medically after 26 years, then 14 years civil service. I wanted the 30 but Navy said no. It all worked out in the end. Now that is all history.

[ChrissyRyan]

This is sad.  One would think that critical needs employees would be kept, regardless of their gender.  Instead, people are separated just because of gender.

Does not seem wise or fair.

I can see people being separated because they are not needed, or not needed as much, regardless of gender though.  Businesses do that all the time.  It is not good for those who lose their jobs unless they can find a better one for them, I understand that.

Chrissy