US military transgender service policy implementation

Following a January 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump mandating the expulsion of transgender service members, military branches have begun implementing separation processes.

In late October 2026, review boards within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps showed resistance to the policy. Reports indicated that nine out of 12 separation boards examined recommended retention rather than dismissal. Specifically, seven of nine Navy boards and two of three Marine Corps boards recommended that service members remain in uniform. In one Marine Corps instance where discharge was recommended, the board noted the individual should remain due to specialist skills and their service record.

By early November 2026, the U.S. Marine Corps moved to restrict the ability of transgender personnel to remain in service during the review process. The Corps rescinded the authority to grant service extensions to Marines undergoing involuntary administrative separation. This change closes a loophole that previously allowed members to extend enlistments while contesting removal before boards. Under this new administrative memo, Marines whose service contracts expire while awaiting decisions may no longer be able to remain in service, which could accelerate their departure.