The move is the latest escalation by the Trump administration as it seeks to bar transgender people from joining the military and remove all who are currently serving.

The decision effectively eliminates a path to retirement for those nearing the 20-year mark required for full benefits.

The U.S. Air Force is denying early retirement to all transgender service members with between 15 and 18 years of military service, opting instead to kick them out with no retirement benefits, according to a memo seen by Reuters.