The Air Force would deny the initial retirement benefits to the members of the transgender service with a military service of 15 to 18 years, even in cases where an early retirement was already approved according to a new memorandum.
Members of the Transgender Service, who were voluntarily separated or excluded from the army Under a policy Installed by the Trump administration, extended voluntary separation will be offered instead, which decreases with initial retirement benefits and is usually given to service members, who choose to leave active duty before being eligible for retirement. First reported by Reuters,
Air Force Acting Assistant Secretary Guindolin R. for manpower and reserve affairs. A memo sent by Difilipti in May said that with a 15 to 18 -year service, members of the Transgender Service may request temporary initial retirement Authority (Tera). In most military branches, including the Air Force, service members are eligible for retirement after 20 years.
An Air Force spokesperson did not immediately return the request of the hill to comment on the new policy, but on Thursday told the Reuters that about a dozen transgender troops with 15 to 18 years of military service were “informed prematurely” that their Terra applications were approved, and a “high level review” was required.
In the 4 August memo, Brian Scarlett followed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, “After carefully considering the personal applications,” He was “disappointed” to your requests from Trans Seva members with 15 to 18 years of service. The memorandum does not explain the decision.
President Trump 27 January Executive Order They cannot satisfy the “rigid standards” required to serve the transgender people from military allegations, and their participation threatens military readiness and unit harmony. A 2016 Rand Corp Study The commission by the Pentagon found that allowing trans the people to serve the transition, operating effectiveness or readiness had no negative effects.
The Supreme Court who accuses the policy administration filed by transgender soldiers and LGBTQ rights groups, Supreme CourtAllowed to be effectiveIn May, is discriminatory and illegal.
master Sergeant. Logan in Ireland, Major plaintiffOne of those casesThe Trump administration’s policy served in the Air Force for 15 years before it was effective in June. Ireland stated that he received and received early retirement benefits, with the approved early retirement date of December 1, 2025.
But on Wednesday, Air Force officials told them that their retirement was being canceled, said Ireland, and they would separate without pre -approved benefits.
Ireland said in an email statement, “I have served my country respectfully. I have earned many awards for leadership and excellence, which are posted in Combat Zone, led the operation around the world, and wearing this uniform proudly. Time and time again, I have crossed the standards in defense of this nation.” “And now, without warning, I am being forcibly removed – not for misconduct, not for failure, but because I am a transgender.”
Ireland stated that the initial retirement of him and other transgender service members was “canceled without any case-by-matter review, clarification or legal justification.” “Our involuntary removal is worthy of every honorable service member without dignity, without transparency, and without respect. This is not a policy, it is betrayal.”
