Transgender service members in the U.S. Air Force with 15-18 years of service will not be granted early retirement.

According to Newsmax, the Air Force is denying early retirement to these transgender personnel, forcing them to either quit or be removed without retirement benefits. This decision comes as part of the Trump administration's broader effort to remove transgender individuals from military service.

The decision was detailed in an August 4 memo signed by Brian Scarlett, who is performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs. Multiple service members who had previously received approval for early retirement have had those approvals rescinded, according to advocates.

Affected Personnel Left With Limited Options

The longer-serving transgender service members now face the same choices as more junior personnel: either voluntarily leave the military or be forced out. Both options would come with corresponding lump-sum payments rather than the retirement benefits they would have received.

The Air Force has provided internal guidance on how affected members might explain the situation to their families. The suggested responses include focusing on benefits they retain, such as GI Bill and VA benefits, emphasizing that the decision doesn't reflect on their service or character, and noting that Military & Family Readiness can provide counseling resources.

Shannon Minter of the National Center for LGBTQ Rights described the situation as "devastating" and "a betrayal of a direct commitment made to these service members." The financial impact on affected personnel could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost benefits over their lifetimes.

Policy Reversal Creates Uncertainty

The Air Force's decision contradicts a policy outlined in a May 23 memo, which had stated that airmen with 15-18 years of service could request early retirement. This apparent reversal has created additional confusion and hardship for affected service members.

When questioned about the decision, Air Force officials noted that they have approved early retirement for more senior transgender members with 18-20 years of service. Regular military retirement typically occurs after 20 years of service.

The Air Force spokesperson also acknowledged that a subset of applications had been "prematurely approved," suggesting that some service members may have received approval only to have it later withdrawn. This has left many in limbo regarding their military careers and financial futures.

Legal Challenges Continue Amid Implementation

The Pentagon's transgender ban has faced numerous legal challenges since its announcement, but a Supreme Court ruling in May cleared the way for implementation. The ruling allows the military to proceed with the policy while legal challenges continue in lower courts.

President Trump signed an executive order in January reversing a policy implemented under former President Biden that had allowed transgender troops to serve openly. The Department of Defense has maintained that transgender individuals are medically unfit for service, a claim that civil rights activists dispute as discriminatory.

Officials have reported there are approximately 4,240 active-duty and National Guard transgender troops, though advocacy groups suggest the actual number may be higher. The policy affects all branches of the military, with the Air Force's recent decision representing the latest development in implementation.

Public Opinion Remains Divided On Issue

Public support for transgender military service has declined in recent years, though a majority still favors inclusion. A Gallup poll published in February found that 58% of Americans supported allowing openly transgender individuals to serve in the military.

This represents a significant drop from the 71% support recorded in 2019. The declining support coincides with increased political polarization on LGBTQ issues more broadly.

Despite the drop in support, advocacy groups continue to fight against the policy. They argue that transgender service members have demonstrated their capability and commitment to military service, and that the ban represents discrimination rather than a legitimate concern about military readiness or effectiveness.