Overview
- Seventeen plaintiffs filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking reinstatement of their retirement orders, restoration of pensions and health coverage, and damages.
- Plaintiffs say orders issued in June under Temporary Early Retirement Authority were signed and valid, then canceled on Aug. 4 when acting official Brian L. Scarlett disapproved all 15–18 year exceptions.
- The Air Force contends no exceptions were actually approved and members were prematurely notified, offering separation pathways instead of retirement under updated guidance.
- Advocates estimate losses of roughly $1–2 million per person plus the loss of TRICARE, with lead plaintiff Master Sgt. Logan Ireland pointing to his 15 years of service including deployment to Afghanistan.
- The litigation proceeds in a climate where the Supreme Court has allowed the administration’s transgender service ban to take effect while broader challenges continue.