The U.S. Air Force has announced it will deny early retirement benefits to “transgender” service members who have served between 15 and 18 years. Instead, these individuals will be separated from the military without the option to retire.
This move follows the reinstated ban on “transgender” troops and targets a specific group affected by the policy.
The ban on “transgender” individuals serving openly was reintroduced earlier this year under the current administration. As a result, many “transgender” service members have been instructed to separate from the military.
Those with at least 20 years of service have been told they are eligible for full retirement benefits and encouraged to take that option. However, those with between 15 and 18 years of service will not receive the same treatment.
The Air Force had previously approved early retirement for a limited number of “transgender” members who served more than 18 years but did not reach the traditional 20-year mark required for full retirement.
For those who had served between 15 and 18 years, the Air Force allowed them to submit appeals asking for exceptions to the policy.
None of these appeals were granted, per the Daily Wire.
An Air Force spokesperson explained to the Associated Press that while service members in the 15 to 18-year range could apply for exceptions, none were approved.
The spokesperson also noted that approximately a dozen individuals in this group were mistakenly notified that their early retirement applications under the gender dysphoria provision had been approved. This error was quickly corrected.
Those service members who do not qualify for early retirement will instead receive separation pay at double the normal rate for involuntary separations. The Air Force also clarified that any remaining service requirements tied to education benefits or enlistment or reenlistment bonuses will be waived.
This means that separated service members can transfer their G.I. Bill education benefits to eligible family members without facing additional hurdles.
The memo announcing this policy change was sent to military departments on Monday. It stated that the decision to deny early retirement benefits was made after careful review of the individual applications.
The memo did not offer further explanation for the policy or comment on how many service members are affected.
The reinstated ban on “transgender” troops has been a subject of controversy since it was announced. Advocates for LGBT service members have criticized the policy, arguing that it unfairly targets “transgender” individuals and undermines military readiness by forcing experienced personnel out of service.
Supporters of the ban claim it is necessary for maintaining military standards and discipline.
“Transgender” service members with long careers in the Air Force face difficult decisions. Those with 20 or more years of service can retire with full benefits.
Those with fewer years, particularly between 15 and 18, will lose the opportunity to retire early. Instead, they will be separated with separation pay, but without the lifelong benefits that retirement status would provide.
