Pentagon lifts ban on transgender service members

“After all, our all-volunteer force is built upon having the most qualified Americans, and the profession of arms is based on honor and trust”, he said.

Transgender servicemembers are deservedly happy about ban lift, “This historic change means that I can finally serve openly and proudly as who I am – a soldier who loves my country and just happens to be transgender”, said AMPA member Nick Melvin.

With the ban rescinded, transgender troops now serving will be able to change their gender in the Pentagon’s system and receive medical attention by October 1, the Associated Press reports. “We have to have access to 100% of America’s population”, he added.

While the full policy will be phased in during a one-year period, service members may no longer be involuntarily separated, discharged or denied reenlistment exclusively on the basis of gender identity. In March, the Defense Department approved plans to open combat roles and special operations to women.

At the upper end of the estimates, there are as many as 11,000 transgender active duty service members and reservists who will be affected by the decision, according to a RAND Corporation study cited by the Pentagon.

Carter made the announcement at a Pentagon news conference and said that the change is effective immediately.

Up until five years ago, the USA military still banned gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

The decision from the Pentagon follows border acceptance of transgender individuals in the U.S.

Carter said the armed forces would cover the cost of treatment that military doctors deem medically necessary for transgender individuals, including cross-sex hormone treatment and reassignment surgery.

He said he looked to the policies in countries like the UK, Israel and Australia, which already allow transgender members to serve openly for guidance. The military services will conduct training over the next couple of months.

Republican Congressman Mac Thornberry, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, said he was concerned the move could lead to troops not being ready to deploy for medical reasons.