The Pentagon’s new trans troops policy is drawing scrutiny after a memo revealed that military commanders can now override separation board decisions allowing transgender troops to remain in service. The change, detailed in an Oct. 8 directive from Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata, represents a significant shift from past practice where boards acted independently.
The trans troops policy is part of a broader move by the Trump administration to roll back protections for transgender service members. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have argued that diversity and inclusion efforts distract from military readiness. Critics, however, contend that the administration’s actions undermine the rights and dignity of those who have already proven their commitment in uniform.
Commanders Gain Override Power
Under the updated rules, if separation boards recommend retaining a transgender service member, their commander may overturn that decision. Advocates say this effectively strips troops of fair recourse and undercuts the purpose of having independent review panels. The Pentagon has declined to comment on the policy, citing ongoing litigation.
The memo also introduces a controversial requirement: transgender troops must appear before boards wearing uniforms that match the gender assigned at birth. Failure to do so can be used against them. Critics say this rule will prevent many from attending their hearings, as wearing such uniforms may conflict with their identity.
Emily Starbuck Gerson, spokesperson for SPARTA Pride, a nonprofit representing transgender troops and veterans, said the rule “rigs the process with a predetermined outcome.” She added that the trans troops policy places additional emotional and professional burdens on service members already under stress.
Uniform Mandate Raises Objections
Many transgender personnel have served for years and no longer own uniforms linked to their birth-assigned gender. Forcing them to wear those garments, they argue, would feel degrading.
Air Force Master Sgt. Logan Ireland, who has served 15 years, said wearing a female uniform “would be a betrayal of what the military has seen me as.” Ireland, currently on administrative leave, said the policy “creates confusion and denies us the dignity and respect we were promised.”
Advocates point out that this approach contradicts the administration’s stated goal of a merit-based force. “It does not account for the service member’s career history, accomplishments, or necessity to their field,” Gerson said.
Erosion of Due Process
Traditionally, separation boards give troops an opportunity to argue their value to the military in quasi-legal proceedings. These panels, composed of peers, consider performance records, conduct, and fitness before making a recommendation. Service members can be represented by lawyers and may appeal the outcome in federal court.
By allowing commanders to override these findings, critics say the trans troops policy erodes due process. Military lawyer Priya Rashid, who has represented hundreds of service members, said the move “subverts justice.” She noted that troops accused of serious misconduct receive more protections than those affected by gender identity policies.
Broader Impact and Legal Outlook
This policy follows earlier directives, including one from the Air Force mandating separation for anyone diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The Supreme Court has allowed the broader ban to remain in effect while legal challenges continue.
For transgender troops who have served with distinction, the new trans troops policy represents more than just an administrative hurdle — it signals a reversal of trust in their service. As Ireland put it, “We’re being forced out of a service that once honored our contributions.”
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