WASHINGTON – The Pentagon released the details of its transgender policy Monday, outlining how the department will navigate tricky personnel issues while it finalizes a decision on whether any transgender military members will be allowed to continue to serve.
The interim guidance remains in effect until at least Feb. 21, 2018, when the Pentagon is due to provide its guidance to President Donald Trump on how to implement Trump’s directed transgender ban.
During the interim timeframe, the following policies will be in effect.
First, no new accessions into the military will be allowed for men or women who are currently being treated for gender dysphoria, which is a condition where a person identifies as the opposite of the biological gender they were born into.
Second, current service members receiving treatment for gender dysphoria will be allowed to continue to serve and continue to receive treatment. However, no new sex reassignment surgeries will be allowed after March 22, 2018, “except to the extent necessary to protect the health of the individual.”
Third, service members who have completed their transitions will be able to continue to serve in their preferred gender while the Pentagon continues its study.
Last, transgender service members may reenlist during the interim period and may not be involuntarily separated from service on the basis of a gender dysphoria diagnosis.
Tara Copp is Military Times’ Pentagon bureau chief. On Twitter: @TaraCopp
Tara Copp is a Pentagon correspondent for the Associated Press. She was previously Pentagon bureau chief for Sightline Media Group.
