The Pentagon is using closed‑door hearings to evaluate and potentially remove transgender service members from active duty. The process, kept out of public view, has sparked debate over military policy and individual rights.

An Army Reserve lawyer is one of the few who have seen the hearings in action. The lawyer explains that the process begins with a written review of a service member’s medical and service record, followed by a brief testimony and a confidential decision by a panel of senior officers.

The policy reflects new guidance that restricts certain transgender personnel from serving. The Pentagon argues the hearings protect national security and regulatory compliance, while critics contend that the lack of transparency undermines the rights of those Enlarged.

The fallout includes uncertainty for affected service members, potential legal challenges, and ongoing discussion about the future of transgender inclusion in the U.S. Armed Forces.