Military Expands Health Screenings: Gender Dysphoria Now Part of Annual Troop Physicals

The U.S. military is updating its annual health assessments to include screenings for gender dysphoria, a move that follows the reinstatement of restrictions on transgender service members. The change, quietly implemented this year, adds a standardized evaluation to routine physicals, sparking debate about medical privacy and military readiness.

What’s Changing in Military Health Checks?

• New Screening Questions: Service members will now face direct inquiries about gender identity discomfort during evaluations.
• Annual Requirement: Unlike previous case-by-case assessments, these screenings become mandatory for all active-duty personnel.
• Data Collection: Responses will be documented in permanent military health records.

The Policy Context

This shift comes after the Pentagon's 2023 reversal of transgender-inclusive policies, which now broadly prohibits:

1. Gender transition procedures during service
2. Enlistment of individuals receiving gender-affirming care
3. Assignment to units that don't align with biological sex markers

Medical Community Reactions

While military officials describe the screenings as "routine health monitoring," psychiatric associations warn they could deter personnel from seeking legitimate mental healthcare. "Creating special scrutiny for one condition raises ethical concerns," notes Dr. Ellen Chu of the American Psychiatric Association.

What Do You Think?

• Should the military have access to service members' gender identity history?
• Could these screenings improve care or create new barriers to enlistment?
• Is it appropriate to document gender dysphoria in permanent military records?
• Does excluding transgender individuals strengthen or weaken national defense?
• Should veterans' benefits cover gender-affirming care if initial screenings prevent service?