Army details separation of gender dysphoria soldiers under Trump policy

The Army is moving forward with its second phase of separation with service members experiencing gender dysphoria, in alignment with the Trump administration’s directive to prioritize military excellence and readiness. A new memo issued by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll outlines the process, with the first phase set to be completed at the beginning of June.

During the first phase, which ends on June 6, service members who have been diagnosed with or have a history of gender dysphoria are able to voluntarily identify themselves and choose to separate from the military branch. This process begins with notifying an immediate commander, who will then inform a superior to initiate the separation process.

Service members who meet the threshold for years of service may qualify for voluntary separation pay, equivalent to double the pay they would receive by separating from the Army for other reasons. However, those facing pending administrative action or Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) code infractions may not be eligible for separation pay or an honorable discharge.

If a service member volunteers for separation but does not meet the qualifications, they will still be separated and receive benefits, but will forfeit the additional separation pay. The involuntary separation phase will begin after the June 6 deadline for voluntary separation, with means in place to identify those who did not self-identify during the first phase.

Previously, service members’ records reflected their sex at birth, but will now be updated to reflect their gender identity. Regardless of the outcome, every service member will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.

This guidance from Driscoll comes after President Trump’s executive order on January 27, “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has since issued a memo outlining the steps the Department of Defense needs to take to comply with the executive order.

As the Army moves forward with the separation process for service members experiencing gender dysphoria, it remains committed to upholding military excellence and readiness while ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.