US Air Force Denies Retirement Benefits to Long-Serving Trans Troops

The US Air Force has faced significant backlash after a leaked memo revealed that long-serving transgender troops are being denied retirement benefits. Service members with between 15 and 18 years of military experience will reportedly be required to either resign voluntarily or face dismissal without the retirement benefits typically granted to their peers.

The decision follows a directive issued by former President Donald Trump in January 2023, which initiated the process of removing transgender individuals from military service. According to the memo obtained by Reuters, Brian Scarlett, the Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, stated that an exception to the Air Force’s early retirement policy due to gender dysphoria would not apply to certain transgender personnel.

Instead of receiving retirement benefits, these long-serving members will have to choose between a lump-sum separation payment, generally offered to junior personnel, or face discharge from the military. Such a discharge could potentially be classified as dishonorable, thereby forfeiting any further benefits available to veterans.

The memo indicates that approximately “a dozen” transgender service members who had been informed they could request early retirement in May 2023 have had their approvals rescinded. The Air Force clarified, “Although service members with 15-18 years of honorable service were permitted to apply for an exception to policy, none of the exceptions to policy were approved.” As a result, members are now eligible for voluntary separation pay at twice the amount of involuntary separation pay.

Transgender individuals with 18-20 years of service can still apply for early retirement, although typical military retirement eligibility occurs after 20 years of service.

Human Rights Campaign Responds

The decision has drawn strong criticism from advocacy groups. Jay Brown, Chief of Staff at the Human Rights Campaign, condemned the move as “indefensible.” In a statement, Brown expressed that the Trump administration is unjustly depriving transgender troops of the retirement benefits they have earned through years of honorable service. “This has nothing to do with military readiness; it’s cruelty for cruelty’s sake,” he added.

Active-duty personnel received a memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, outlining that they have until June 6, 2023, to voluntarily separate or face forced discharge. Reserve and National Guard members were given until July 7, 2023.

Court filings made public in March indicate that the Trump administration is struggling to substantiate its claims that transgender troops should be excluded from military service based on “honesty, humility, and integrity.” Government attorneys argued that transgender service members impose financial burdens on the military due to the costs associated with gender-affirming care. Notably, this care has amounted to just $52 million over the past decade, a fraction of the Pentagon’s reported budget of approximately $961.6 billion for 2026.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding transgender rights within the military and raises questions about the future of service members who have dedicated their careers to protecting their country. The implications of this policy shift extend beyond financial concerns, affecting the lives and well-being of those who have served honorably.