U.S. Air Force to deny early retirement benefits to some transgender service members

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attends an event to mark National Purple Heart Day in the East Room of the White House on Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington.

The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it would deny all transgender service members who have served between 15 and 18 years the option to retire early and would instead separate them without retirement benefits.

(Image credit: Mark Schiefelbein)