The U.S. Army will now require all service member records to reflect biological sex. The policy comes from a classified memo obtained by Reuters. It is part of a broader shift under the Trump administration to reverse previous inclusion efforts.
Commanders must “immediately update” personnel files and administrative systems to match the sex assigned at birth, the memo states.
Army to exclude gender identity from records
The directive also orders all pronouns and titles to match biological sex. Commanders must address troops as “sir” or “ma’am,” based on their sex at birth. They must also label shared spaces—such as bathrooms and housing—as male, female, or family. Access will follow biological sex only.
The memo states that sex is “unchanging during a person’s life.” This echoes a February Pentagon order that bans open service for transgender individuals.
Broader reversal of transgender inclusion
President Donald Trump reinstated the ban on transgender service in January 2025. This new Army directive aligns with that order. It cancels rules from the Biden era that had allowed transgender troops to serve openly and access gender-affirming care.
LGBTQ advocates say the new rules are disruptive and harmful.
“The directives coming out are vindictive and aggressive,” said Jennifer Levi, a senior director at GLAD Law. “They are being issued in a chaotic way that undoubtedly is harming military readiness.”
Transgender troops face June deadline
The memo sets a deadline of June 6 for transgender service members to leave voluntarily. Those who stay may face discharge.
The Army also plans to cut off access to hormone therapy and gender-related surgeries.
Official records list at least 4,240 active-duty and National Guard troops who identify as transgender. Advocates believe the real number is likely higher.
Public opinion shows split support
Support for transgender military service has declined. A February Gallup poll found 58% of Americans still support it. In 2019, that number was 71%.
Critics say the new rules reflect a culture war approach. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, has spoken out against diversity programs. He favors a return to traditional military structure.
What happens next
The directive is likely to face court challenges. Civil rights groups argue that it violates service members’ rights and weakens the force.
The Army has not responded to requests for comment. Updates are expected as the June 6 deadline approaches.
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