The US newspaper “The Hill” reported on Friday that the US Department of Defense “the Pentagon” has begun conducting tests for gender identity disorder among military personnel, with the aim of excluding “transgender” individuals from military service.
According to a new memo, senior officials have ordered the immediate identification of affected service members through the department’s regular health assessment.
The memo emphasized that commanders who are aware of individuals in their units who suffer from gender dysphoria, have a medical history related to this disorder, or exhibit symptoms consistent with the condition should direct an individual review of their medical records to ensure they comply with approved medical standards.
These procedures refer to a diagnosis associated with a person’s gender identity not matching their biological sex.
Upon taking office in January , US President Donald Trump rescinded an executive order from his predecessor, Joe Biden, that allowed transgender individuals to serve in the military. He issued a new order describing gender identity disorder as “inconsistent” with the military’s mission to maintain combat readiness, effectively banning transgender individuals from the armed forces.
The US administration has not yet provided a clear explanation of how gender identity disorder affects military readiness or the effectiveness of military service for transgender individuals.
Defense Minister Pete Hegseth quickly implemented the new policy, but the process was temporarily stalled by legal challenges.
However, the Supreme Court earlier this month issued a ruling allowing the administration to proceed with the ban on transgender employees, prompting Hegseth to issue orders for immediate implementation. The termination process will begin in early June unless individuals file voluntary termination requests.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said last week that about 1,000 soldiers who have reported experiencing gender dysphoria will begin voluntary separation.
But Defense Department officials believe the number of personnel affected by the condition is higher, with one official estimating the number at around 4,200, he told reporters on Thursday.
According to Hegseth’s memo, active-duty transgender service members can opt for voluntary separation until June 6 and may be eligible for financial compensation upon separation. For reserve personnel, the deadline for submitting voluntary separation applications is July 7.
If individuals do not submit voluntary separation requests before these dates, they will be terminated with less financial compensation and may be forced to leave the service, the official said.
To identify individuals who may not intend to leave the military voluntarily, the annual health assessment will be used to identify potential cases, with questions related to gender dysphoria added to the screening process.
Unit commanders will also be able to report any service members who exhibit “symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria,” as part of the new policy’s comprehensive implementation.
