Memo Reverses Previously Approved Retirements for Service Members Without Warning
The U.S. Air Force will no longer allow transgender service members with between 15 and 18 years of service to retire early, instead requiring them to separate from the military without retirement benefits. The decision, outlined in an August 4 memo obtained by Reuters, reverses previously approved retirements and gives affected personnel the same choice as more junior troops: accept a lump-sum separation payment or face discharge.
The change, signed by Brian Scarlett, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to remove transgender individuals from the ranks and prevent new enlistments. While officials have cited medical unfitness, civil rights advocates have called the move discriminatory. The Air Force said some early retirements had been “prematurely approved” and were rescinded.
Previously, under a May 23 policy, airmen with 15–18 years of service could request early retirement, while those with 18–20 years remained eligible for standard retirement, which is granted after two decades. Advocates warn the reversal could cost affected service members hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.
The policy shift follows a May Supreme Court ruling allowing the Pentagon to enforce its transgender service ban while legal challenges continue. Approximately 4,240 transgender troops serve in active-duty and National Guard roles, though advocates say the number is likely higher.
President Trump reinstated the ban in January, reversing a Biden-era policy that allowed transgender troops to serve openly. Public support for open service has fallen, with a February Gallup poll showing 58% approval, down from 71% in 2019.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has rolled back diversity initiatives at the Pentagon, has publicly supported the change as part of a broader conservative policy agenda.
