Navy and Marine Corps boards recommend retaining transgender service members

Military review boards within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are recommending that transgender service members remain in uniform, despite a Pentagon policy aimed at their discharge. According to reports, nine out of 12 separation boards examined by The New York Times recommended retention rather than dismissal.

In the Navy, seven of nine boards recommended service members remain in service. In the Marine Corps, two of three boards recommended retention. In one Marine Corps case where discharge was recommended, the board included a written statement noting that the individual should remain due to their service record and specialist skills.

The separations follow a January 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump and subsequent Pentagon guidance restricting transgender military service. While the Army and Air Force review boards have overwhelmingly recommended discharging transgender personnel, the Navy and Marine Corps findings suggest a departure from those branches. These recommendations are not final, as senior military officials maintain the authority to overturn them.