In a decisive move to reinforce military readiness, the Department of Defense has mandated the inclusion of gender dysphoria screenings in annual physical examinations for all service members.
This policy shift, outlined in a recent memo from the Pentagon’s acting head of personnel and readiness, directs commanders to “immediately commence the identification of affected Service members” through the Defense Department’s Periodic Health Assessment.
Commanders aware of service members with a history of gender dysphoria are instructed to initiate individualized medical record reviews to ensure compliance with medical standards.
To ensure thorough identification, the military will utilize annual health assessments, incorporating specific questions about gender dysphoria.
Unit commanders are also authorized to flag service members displaying symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria who do not self-identify during screenings.
The order does allow for some limited exceptions. Transgender personnel who want to enlist, or who already serve, can provide evidence that they support a specific warfighting need for a waiver.
The waivers may also be issued to those who never transitioned away from their biological gender and can prove over 36 months that they are stable in their birth gender “without clinically significant distress”.
Policy Reflects Commitment to Military Effectiveness
This action aligns with President Trump’s January executive order, which declared gender dysphoria “inconsistent” with the military’s mission of maintaining a deployable fighting force.
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to allow enforcement of this policy has paved the way for its implementation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo with timelines for voluntary separation: active-duty transgender service members have until June 6, while reserve forces have until July 7.
Those who choose to separate voluntarily may be eligible for separation pay.
Failure to do so by the specified dates may result in a lower severance package and potential involuntary discharge.
The Pentagon says that approximately 1,000 troops have self-identified as being diagnosed with gender dysphoria, though officials believe the actual number could be at least 4,000.
