The U.S. military has implemented a new policy requiring transgender individuals to voluntarily separate or face involuntary discharge. This directive, issued as a NAVADMIN, aligns with a broader Defense Department policy introduced last month. The policy states that after March 28, 2025, the Department of the Navy will begin administrative separations for personnel deemed ineligible to serve under the new guidelines.
Policy Details and Legal Challenges
The policy asserts that an individual’s biological sex is “immutable and unchanging,” effectively barring service members who have transitioned or experience gender dysphoria. While some waivers are technically available, advocates argue that the requirements make approval nearly impossible.
The policy requires that a service member:
- Remain stable in their birth sex for 36 months
- Have never undergone a gender transition
- Agree to serve in their birth sex
- Meet a “compelling government interest” requirement—which means the military must determine their skills are indispensable
Meanwhile, legal challenges are mounting. Two federal lawsuits have been filed against the ban, with a judge in Washington, D.C., expressing skepticism over its legality. A ruling on whether to temporarily block the policy is expected soon.
Financial Incentives for Voluntary Separation
While the policy places restrictions on transgender service members, it also offers an incentive for those who opt to leave voluntarily. Under this provision, any sailor or Marine who self-identifies for discharge before March 28, 2025, will receive double the standard involuntary separation pay.
Typically, separation pay amounts to 10% of a service member’s annual base pay multiplied by years of service. For some long-serving personnel—both officers and enlisted—this could result in payments exceeding $100,000 before the doubling of the payout.
Additionally, those who opt for voluntary separation will have any remaining service obligations waived and will not be required to repay bonuses received before February 26, 2025.
Pentagon’s Justification and Lack of Evidence
The Pentagon has framed the policy as a way to enforce an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, stating that being transgender is “not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member.” However, officials have not provided specific evidence or examples to support this claim, according to Military.com.
The policy has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that it unjustly targets transgender service members who have already demonstrated commitment and capability in their roles.
What’s Next?
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains uncertain whether the policy will take full effect or be halted by the courts. For now, transgender service members are left with a difficult choice: leave the military voluntarily with enhanced financial benefits or risk being forcibly discharged under the new directive.
