Military leaders begin screening service members for gender dysphoria

Military leaders will now be screening troops for gender dysphoria

Defense officials are adding the reviews to annual health checks. The forms now include questions about gender dysphoria

whether a service member has been diagnosed, has a history, or is showing symptoms

If a service member reports a diagnosis or symptoms, it prompts a medical review

That review could lead to voluntary or involuntary separation, depending on what's found and whether the service member steps forward on their own

Commanders are responsible for starting that process when they become aware of any qualifying cases

And under the updated rules, showing symptoms alone without a formal diagnosis can still result in review

Troops who self-identify by this summer can choose to leave voluntarily. In those cases, they may be eligible for higher separation pay

For example, an enlisted E-5 with 10 years of service could receive roughly $101,000 if they opt out voluntarily

That same person would get just under $51,000 if discharged involuntarily. The Pentagon says it expects commanders to carry out the policy professionally and protect medical privacy

Officials estimate around 1,000 service members have already self-identified. A previous report from the Pentagon puts the broader number closer to 4,200

The separation policy follows a Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for enforcement of President Trump's executive order saying gender dysphoria is not compatible with military readiness

According to Pentagon officials, troops who are discharged under the policy will receive an honorable discharge unless there's a separate disciplinary issue on record

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