Transgender Troops Face Removal from US Military: 'Absolutely Devastating'

Transgender troops in the US face removal from the military under a Trump-era policy. The Pentagon announced Thursday it will start removing approximately 1,000 transgender service members. Active duty troops have until June 6 to voluntarily leave; National Guard and Reserve members have until July 7. After those dates, the Department of Defense will involuntarily separate those with a history of gender dysphoria. "It would be absolutely devastating," said U.S. Army Maj. Erica Vandal, a 13-year veteran. She's the sole breadwinner for her family. This policy threatens careers, livelihoods, and benefits for these service members and their families. The video features interviews with three transgender service members, offering their personal perspectives on their service and the potential consequences of removal. The ongoing legal challenges against the ban are also relevant to the situation. The removal of these service members could negatively impact military readiness.