DoD policy: gender dysphoria presumptively disqualifying; separation of serving members

The implementing policy memo directs that "Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria will be processed for separation from military service," with services to identify affected members within 30 days (by Mar. 26, 2025) and separate them absent a waiver. Waivers require a "compelling government interest" in retention "directly support[ing] warfighting capabilities," plus 36 consecutive months of "stability in the service member's sex" without clinically significant distress and no history of attempted transition — and adherence to all standards (grooming, uniforms, facilities) of birth sex. It bars DoD funds for sex-reassignment surgery and newly initiated cross-sex hormone therapy. A senior defense official put the affected population at 4,240 diagnosed members across active, reserve, and Guard components.