Transgender Soldiers
In an interview with USA TODAY, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says the ban on transgender troops is likely to be reassessed and should be lifted. "Times change," She said, adding that the policy "Is likely to come under review in the next year or so." Asked whether dropping the ban would affect military readiness, she replied: "From my point of view, anyone who is capable of accomplishing the job should be able to serve." Ref. USAToday.
Transgender Soldiers (Hover)
I have nothing against transgender folk but I just don't think the military is where they need to be. Being in the military can already be a complex situation so anything extra can cause a lot of torment between fellow soldiers.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 67 6.7%
Pentagon moves closer to allowing transgender men and women to serve openly
Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Monday issued two directives moving the Pentagon closer to allowing transgender men and women to serve openly in the military. The Defense Department will set up a "Working group" To study the issue over the next six months, Carter said in a statement. He also directed that "Decision authority" For those who identify as transgender be elevated to an under secretary of Defense. Ref. USAToday
Ban on transgender troops to be lifted July 1
The Pentagon plans to announce the repeal of its ban on transgender service members July 1, a controversial decision that would end nearly a year of internal wrangling among the services on how to allow those troops to serve openly, according to Defense officials. Ref. USAToday.
I understand why it is happening but I really can't imagine jar heads getting used to something like this. Officially there will be acknowledgement but acceptance is a whole other thing.
International Level: Activist / Political Participation: 32 3.2%
Under new policy, more than 100 troops have come forward seeking transgender care
More than 100 transgender troops have informed the services that they want to transition to the opposite sex, be formally recognized in their new gender or are seeking counseling or medical treatment, according to documents and the military. The troops are coming forward after the Pentagon's new policy allowing the open service of transgender troops went into effect Oct. 1. Ref. USAToday.
Transgender cadets will be allowed to graduate but not serve with Pentagon policy in flux
Transgender cadets at the Air Force and Army military academies will be allowed to graduate this month in their new, preferred genders but will not be allowed to join the ranks of the military's newest officers, USA TODAY has learned. The Air Force and Army will not commission the cadets after graduation because the Pentagon has not yet established a new policy for accepting new, transgender troops for its officer and enlisted ranks. Ref. Source 9a.