Overview

• A memo dated Aug. 12 orders separation boards to automatically recommend discharge for any airman with a gender dysphoria diagnosis.
• The guidance bars recording of board proceedings, replacing detailed transcripts with abbreviated case files that critics say undermine appeals.
• Last week the Air Force began denying early retirement benefits for transgender members and is moving to revoke previously approved requests.
• Military legal advisers and advocacy groups have denounced the policy as unlawful and warned it could become a blueprint across other military branches.
• Pentagon data show about 4,240 service members have gender dysphoria diagnoses and now face mandated separation under the new rules.