The Pentagon initiated the procedure of “voluntary” release of about one thousand servicemen who openly identify themselves as transgender persons. About this it is said in the official statement of the US Department of Defense.
The move was preceded by a US Supreme Court ruling that allowed President Donald Trump to ban transgender people from serving in the military. The Pentagon notes that it is not easy to establish the exact number of transgender servicemen.
Priority exemptions will affect those diagnosed with gender dysphoria — a condition in which biological sex does not match gender identity — as well as those with symptoms or those undergoing treatment. Such soldiers will be forced to leave the service. In addition, persons with this diagnosis will now be prohibited from joining the army.
Active-duty military members can voluntarily report their gender identity until June 6, and National Guard and Reserve members have until July 7.
According to the Ministry of Defense, as of December 9, 2024, the diagnosis of “gender dysphoria” was recorded in 4,240 soldiers from the regular army, National Guard and reserve. At the same time, it is emphasized that this number may be incomplete, because the total number of personnel of the US Armed Forces is about 2.1 million people.
