Washington: The Pentagon is set to begin discharging transgender service members who fail to meet newly established requirements within a 30-day period unless they obtain a waiver, as outlined in a recent memo from the US Defense Department.

According to Anadolu Agency, the memo, released publicly on Wednesday, specifies that service members with a current diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria, or those exhibiting symptoms consistent with it, will face separation from military service. The memo indicates that waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis if there is a compelling government interest in retaining the service member to directly support warfighting capabilities.

To be eligible for a waiver, service members must demonstrate 36 consecutive months of gender identity stability without significant distress or issues in social, work, or other critical life areas. This policy shift marks a departure from the 2016 decision by the Obama administration, which lifted the ban on transgender troops, enabling them to serve openly and allowing the enlistment of transgender recruits starting July 1, 2017.

However, the Trump administration delayed the recruitment date to 2018 and ultimately reversed the policy. Upon returning to office this year, President Donald Trump signed executive orders reshaping military policies, including a ban on transgender individuals serving openly. Trump stated that the measure aims to ensure the US maintains "the most lethal fighting force in the world" by excluding "transgender ideology" from the military.

In line with the executive order, the US Army announced it would no longer permit transgender individuals to enlist or undergo gender transition-related medical procedures. Additionally, Trump signed orders banning transgender women from competing in women's and girls' sports and recognizing only male and female genders.