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Department of Defense Transgender Policy

Policy Highlights

  • This policy was crafted through a comprehensive and inclusive process that included the leadership of the Armed Services, medical and personnel experts across the Department, transgender Service members, outside medical experts, advocacy groups, and the RAND Corporation.
  • Effective immediately, transgender Service members may serve openly, and they can no longer be discharged or otherwise separated from the military solely for being transgender individuals.
  • These policies will be implemented in stages over the next 12 months-starting most immediately with addressing the needs of current Service members and their commanders, and followed by training for the entire force, and ultimately, beginning to admit transgender recruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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News Stories

Transgender Service Members Can Now Serve Openly, Carter Announces

Following a study, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said three main reasons led to the decision to lift the transgender ban: the force of the future, the existing force and matters of principle. Story

DoD Updates Equal Opportunity Policy to Include Sexual Orientation

The Defense Department has updated its military equal opportunity program to protect service members against discrimination because of sexual orientation, as part of a lasting commitment to living the values it defends, including treating everyone equally, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said. Story

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