The Defense Department has introduced gender dysphoria screening during troops’ annual physicals to align with efforts to remove transgender service members from the US military.
The big picture: A new memo requires senior officials to identify troops affected by gender dysphoria through the DOD Periodic Health Assessment.
- Service members with gender dysphoria or symptoms consistent with it will undergo individualized medical record reviews to ensure compliance with medical standards.
Driving the news: President Donald Trump revoked an order that permitted transgender individuals to serve in the military, citing gender dysphoria as inconsistent with military readiness without further explanation.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attempted to implement the policy, which faced legal challenges, and received Supreme Court approval to enforce the transgender troop ban.
Go deeper: Approximately 1,000 troops self-identified as diagnosed with gender dysphoria, with an estimated 4,200 service members believed to be affected.
- Active-duty transgender service members have until June 6 to opt for voluntary separation with potential eligibility for separation pay, while Reserve forces have until July 7.
- Those who do not voluntarily leave by the deadlines face a lower severance package and could be forced out of the military.
- The military will utilize troops’ annual health assessments to identify individuals with gender dysphoria or symptoms, enabling commanders to flag service members for further evaluation.
