Transgender Service Members Face Deadline as Voluntary Departures Surge

WASHINGTON — As transgender service members face a looming deadline to leave the U.S. military, hundreds are opting for financial bonuses to depart voluntarily. However, some are determined to stay and fight against what they call an unjust policy from the Trump administration.

Active duty service members had until Friday to exit voluntarily, while those in the National Guard and Reserve have until July 7. After that, involuntary separations will begin.

The urgent deadline follows the Trump administration’s push to eliminate what it deems “wokeness” in the military, seeking to restore a traditional “warrior ethos.”

“They’re tired of the rollercoaster. They just want to go,” said one transgender service member, who plans to retire. “It’s exhausting.”

Conversely, some service members feel compelled to remain. “I’m choosing to stay in and fight,” said a noncommissioned officer in the Air Force. “My service is based on merit, and I’ve earned that merit.”

Many have expressed frustration over the forced choice, which varies based on personal and family situations. “I’m very disappointed,” a transgender Marine stated. “I’ve outperformed others. I’m being pushed out while I know others are barely scraping by.”

Under President Trump’s directive, officials claim they are acting on decisions supported by voters. “The Pentagon is leaving wokeness behind,” said an administration spokesperson.

In a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth, Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, along with 22 other Democratic senators, urged the administration to allow transgender troops to continue serving honorably.

Rough Defense Department estimates suggest that more than 4,240 active-duty transgender personnel exist, although the numbers are not precise. For many, the decision to leave is driven by financial incentives, as those departing voluntarily will receive double the typical separation pay.

This financial aspect influenced Roni Ferrell, an Army specialist stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Ferrell felt “backed into a corner” to agree to leave voluntarily, fearing repercussions from a previous enlistment bonus.

A Marine who has served over 25 years initially planned to resist but ultimately decided to leave upon learning that an involuntary separation could mar her military record.

A defense official clarified that the involuntary separation code is not intended to trigger clearance revocations and that gender dysphoria does not require reporting.

Human Rights Campaign’s Cynthia Cheng-Wun Weaver emphasized that service members should consult legal advisors to comprehend the procedures involved in their situation.

Some active-duty personnel and National Guard members expressed their commitment to remain on duty. “I’ve really embraced military culture, and it’s embraced me,” said one Air Force member. “It’s not about money. It’s the career that I love.”

The situation presents complexities, especially for National Guard members required to serve according to their birth-assigned gender, which could create uncomfortable scenarios.

“If I were to show up to drill this weekend, I’d be expected to use all female facilities,” an Army Guard officer explained, highlighting the challenges posed by the directive.

As the deadline nears, many service members do not know what to expect next. They speculate about the process and fear being flagged for involuntary separations, which might rely on extended medical evaluations.

A defense official reiterated that the Pentagon aims to treat all service members with respect and dignity during this transition. However, the official noted that the process will depend on ongoing medical assessments, which could delay outcomes.

At the heart of these discussions is a fundamental concern over the merit-based principles stated by the administration, with service members arguing it seems their gender identity is the only factor impacting their military future.