The U.S. Air Force has announced it will deny early retirement and associated retirement benefits to all transgender service members with between 15 and 18 years of military service who are being separated from the service. According to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters, these individuals will instead be forced out without receiving retirement pay, despite prior promises of retirement eligibility. This policy change affects transgender personnel separated under the Trump administration's directives, which have led to the discharge of all transgender members from the Air Force. Affected service members are reportedly offered a lump-sum separation payment similar to that given to lower-ranking troops but lose their entitlement to retirement benefits. The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including political figures who emphasize the dishonor and unfairness of denying benefits to service members who served for over a decade. The policy is part of broader controversies surrounding veterans' benefits and federal support, with recent legislative efforts such as the PACT Act aiming to expand health coverage for veterans. However, critics note that the Trump administration has also reduced funding for veterans' affairs and taken actions perceived as undermining veterans’ rights and benefits.