The Pentagon released its guidance on service by transgender persons Wednesday, which grandfathers current troops under a 2016 policy that allows them to serve openly in their preferred gender.
Recruits who join the U.S. military after April 12, however, will be required to serve in their biological gender and meet the physical standards of that sex.
“This is not a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military,” a senior Pentagon official said in a conference call with reporters. “In fact, the policy actually prohibits the denial of accession or involuntary separation solely on the basis of gender identity.”
The policy is outlined in a memorandum signed by David Norquist, who is acting as deputy defense secretary, and essentially sets up two classes of service members.
Transgender troops who were at any time subject to the 2016 policy instituted by former President Barack Obama’s Defense Secretary Ash Carter fall under one set of rules, which allows them to serve without restrictions.
New troops will come under a policy drafted by former Defense Secretary James Mattis in 2018, which is facing court challenges.
Military members who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria after the effective date of the memo can serve only if they meet the same standards and policies as other persons of their biological sex, including medical fitness; physical fitness and body fat standards; berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities; and uniform and grooming standards.
In other words, from now on men and women who identify as transgender and come under the 2018 policy can dress as they like off duty, but on duty they must conform to the gender they were assigned at birth.
Pentagon officials said the policy is based on the ability of troops to perform their duties. And the policy specifies no one will be denied enlistment, involuntarily separated or discharged, denied re-enlistment or continuation of service, or subjected to any adverse action on the basis of his or her gender identity.
