DoD Freezes Gender Changes on Military IDs—Shockeroo!
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting December 1, 2025, the Department of Defense is stopping retirees, dependents, and contractors from changing their gender marker on military ID cards. This change follows a new executive order focused on restoring biological truth in federal records. If you’re affected, you can still share your thoughts until January 30, 2026, but the new rule takes effect right away with no extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No DEERS sex-code changes for retirees
If you are a retiree, dependent, or contractor employee, you can no longer request a change to your sex code (previously called a "gender marker") in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) starting December 1, 2025. The rule removes the self-attestation procedure for making that change except when correcting an administrative error; you may submit comments on the rule until January 30, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19160, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 16, 17, and 35
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying key contract rules in parts 16, 17, and 35 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change affects federal agencies and contractors, aiming to cut red tape and save taxpayer money. Comments on the proposed changes are open until October 19, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-11505, DoD Assistance to Non-Government, Entertainment-Oriented Media Productions
The Department of Defense is updating its rules to stop helping movies, TV shows, games, and documentaries that censor their content to please the Chinese government. Starting July 9, 2026, producers must follow new steps to prove their projects don’t bow to these censorship demands if they want DoD support. This change affects entertainment creators and aims to keep U.S. projects free and fair without foreign influence.
2026-09067, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Mitigating Risks Related to Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (DFARS Case 2021-D011)
The Department of Defense is updating rules to make sure companies working with them reveal if they’re owned or controlled by foreign folks. This helps keep our defense projects safe from hidden foreign influence. If you’re a contractor or subcontractor, get ready to share ownership info by July 6, 2026, or risk delays in your contracts.
2026-09038, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (DFARS Case 2024-D021)
Starting May 7, 2026, the Department of Defense won’t make most new defense contractors share their greenhouse gas emissions unless it’s really needed for the contract. This change helps nontraditional contractors avoid extra paperwork, but DoD can still ask for info if it’s directly tied to the job. It’s a smart move to keep things fair and focused without slowing down important defense work.
2025-20402, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21713, Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR); Special Contracting Methods; Options; Contracts; Withdrawal
The EPA is pulling back a new contracting rule it tried to put in place because people didn’t like it. This means the changes about special contract options won’t happen for now, affecting contractors and EPA buyers. The withdrawal takes effect December 2, 2025, so everyone should keep using the old rules until further notice.
Next: 2025-21764, Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting December 2, 2025, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and rules based on new tech and obstacles. No big costs here—just smarter, safer skies for everyone flying under instrument rules!