RallyPoint Shared Content 919064 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From: USA Today<br /><br />WASHINGTON — The Pentagon’s ban on transgender troops would end May 27 under a draft timeline on repeal of the policy that affects about 12,000 troops, according to a document obtained by USA TODAY.<br /><br />The memo, circulated last week among top personnel and medical officials, lays out the road map for ending the policy and highlights some of the potential issues, including a pilot program that would provide leaves of absences for transgender troops being treated with hormones or having surgery.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Army and the Air Force leaders know for sure of about 20 transgender troops in each service, according to a Defense Department official familiar with the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity because officials were not authorized to speak publicly. The condition of gender dysphoria disqualifies them from service under current policy, but a de facto moratorium on dismissals was enacted last month by Defense Secretary Ash Carter.<br /><br />Carter ordered a six-month review of the issues surrounding transgender troops with the assumption that they can serve openly unless “objective, practical impediments are identified,” the Aug. 19 memo says. During that period, one of Carter’s chief deputies would have to approve any request to discharge transgender troops.<br /><br />The memo details a list of issues surrounding the open service of transgender troops, including medical treatment, housing, uniforms and physical fitness standards.<br /><br />Earlier this month, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine by the Palm Center estimated that it would cost the military $5.6 million per year to treat transgender troops. The center, which studies issues of sexuality and the military, estimated that 188 of the 12,000 transgender troops would seek treatment in any given year. The number of transgender troops is an estimate; detailed numbers are harder to come by because troops have risked being discharged if they made their transgender status public.<br /><br />Pentagon officials will consider a pilot program that would allow transgender troops under medical treatment to take a sabbatical from service, returning to the ranks after they have made their transition to the other gender. They must also decide whether transgender troops being treated are eligible for deployment to war zones, the memo says.<br /><br />Also under consideration: revisiting the discharge status of transgender troops who have been kicked out of the service. It is unclear how many troops have been discharged over the years for the condition because the Pentagon does not track them. A dishonorable discharge for having gender dysphoria could affect employment opportunities and veterans benefits.<br /><br />Some top officers complained that the military has been asked to enact too much social change in recent years, including the 2011 repeal of the military’s ban on gay and lesbian troops serving openly, and on the continuing integration of women into combat units, said the Defense official and a colleague, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren&#39;t authorized to speak publicly.<br /><br />Many senior officers, however, want a clear policy on transgender troops, the Defense officials said. These officers are comfortable with rules that allow them to keep good troops with gender dysphoria and provide them treatment.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/25/military-transgender-ban-set-end-next-may/32345385/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/25/military-transgender-ban-set-end-next-may/32345385/</a> 2015-08-26T09:40:46-04:00 RallyPoint Shared Content 919064

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From: USA Today<br /><br />WASHINGTON — The Pentagon’s ban on transgender troops would end May 27 under a draft timeline on repeal of the policy that affects about 12,000 troops, according to a document obtained by USA TODAY.<br /><br />The memo, circulated last week among top personnel and medical officials, lays out the road map for ending the policy and highlights some of the potential issues, including a pilot program that would provide leaves of absences for transgender troops being treated with hormones or having surgery.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Army and the Air Force leaders know for sure of about 20 transgender troops in each service, according to a Defense Department official familiar with the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity because officials were not authorized to speak publicly. The condition of gender dysphoria disqualifies them from service under current policy, but a de facto moratorium on dismissals was enacted last month by Defense Secretary Ash Carter.<br /><br />Carter ordered a six-month review of the issues surrounding transgender troops with the assumption that they can serve openly unless “objective, practical impediments are identified,” the Aug. 19 memo says. During that period, one of Carter’s chief deputies would have to approve any request to discharge transgender troops.<br /><br />The memo details a list of issues surrounding the open service of transgender troops, including medical treatment, housing, uniforms and physical fitness standards.<br /><br />Earlier this month, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine by the Palm Center estimated that it would cost the military $5.6 million per year to treat transgender troops. The center, which studies issues of sexuality and the military, estimated that 188 of the 12,000 transgender troops would seek treatment in any given year. The number of transgender troops is an estimate; detailed numbers are harder to come by because troops have risked being discharged if they made their transgender status public.<br /><br />Pentagon officials will consider a pilot program that would allow transgender troops under medical treatment to take a sabbatical from service, returning to the ranks after they have made their transition to the other gender. They must also decide whether transgender troops being treated are eligible for deployment to war zones, the memo says.<br /><br />Also under consideration: revisiting the discharge status of transgender troops who have been kicked out of the service. It is unclear how many troops have been discharged over the years for the condition because the Pentagon does not track them. A dishonorable discharge for having gender dysphoria could affect employment opportunities and veterans benefits.<br /><br />Some top officers complained that the military has been asked to enact too much social change in recent years, including the 2011 repeal of the military’s ban on gay and lesbian troops serving openly, and on the continuing integration of women into combat units, said the Defense official and a colleague, who also spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren&#39;t authorized to speak publicly.<br /><br />Many senior officers, however, want a clear policy on transgender troops, the Defense officials said. These officers are comfortable with rules that allow them to keep good troops with gender dysphoria and provide them treatment.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/25/military-transgender-ban-set-end-next-may/32345385/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/25/military-transgender-ban-set-end-next-may/32345385/</a>

2015-08-26T09:40:46-04:00 2015-08-26T09:40:46-04:00 SCPO David Lockwood 919077

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

2015-08-26T09:49:04-04:00 2015-08-26T09:49:04-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 919092

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm really curious intend to do this, all the services are so entrenched in the different standards for males and females I don't see this as a quick fix at all.

2015-08-26T09:54:14-04:00 2015-08-26T09:54:14-04:00 SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz 919096

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I guess the U.S. Corps of Engineers are going to be very busy building new restrooms across all military installations.

2015-08-26T09:57:09-04:00 2015-08-26T09:57:09-04:00 CW3 Eric W. S. 919122

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just trying to figure out why individuals cannot just serve the military. It is not up to the military to serve their desires. If you want an elective operation, the military is not the place to find it. I had several surgeries while on active duty, but they were not to fix something that I didn't like about my body, they were to repair my body. That is all that the medical field should have to do is repair the service member so they can fight another day, not make them more comfortable about their insecurities.

2015-08-26T10:10:18-04:00 2015-08-26T10:10:18-04:00 MCPO Roger Collins 919330

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That will certainly add to mission readiness.

2015-08-26T11:29:54-04:00 2015-08-26T11:29:54-04:00 TSgt Kenneth Ellis 919350

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just read this on fb. With all the problems with the VA, they have time for this. Soldiers being denied care, but the can offer these transvestites hormon treatments. So one CO comes back fro leave and is know doing A Bruce Jenner. Wearing a wig and woman's uniform and maybe a pair of falsies. And now that is the norm. Before Obama I would have recommended the service as a career. It has been great to me. But not now. It has become a place every social experiments. if a man wants to become a woman he does not belong in the military. Heck what would people and forign leaders say if Obama but in a wig and a dress saying he always felt he was a Woman. Think about it.

2015-08-26T11:38:36-04:00 2015-08-26T11:38:36-04:00 SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member 919860

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My thoughts are...its going to happen. It will present obstacles and I am not convinced that all the ramifications have been taken into consideration...but its going to happen.

2015-08-26T15:00:59-04:00 2015-08-26T15:00:59-04:00 LCDR Private RallyPoint Member 919872

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well... I knew it was inevitable based on the discussions we&#39;ve already had. Since it will be ordered, I will support it.<br /><br />I personally don&#39;t have any issues with transgender troops serving, and know that there are already some that do (successfully).<br /><br />I hope the implementation and plan though will be well thought out.

2015-08-26T15:06:12-04:00 2015-08-26T15:06:12-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 919876

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Why does anyone care? Just like everyone else that joins, as long as they serve honorably, point their weapon at the enemy and pull that trigger, keep their private life private, wear the uniform according to regs, render proper courtesy to all ranks......pretty much what everyone is supposed to do, then why would it matter?

2015-08-26T15:07:58-04:00 2015-08-26T15:07:58-04:00 Capt Seid Waddell 920098

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Bad move.

2015-08-26T17:00:13-04:00 2015-08-26T17:00:13-04:00 SPC George Rudenko 920160

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If they can fight, and have the courage to get in and stay in the fight, they can wear a camo tutu for all I care (facetiously) looks, religion, sex, political views don&#39;t define the soldier their actions do.

2015-08-26T17:29:11-04:00 2015-08-26T17:29:11-04:00 COL Charles Williams 920478

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is coming, and with that said, it does not really matter what I think.

2015-08-26T19:57:42-04:00 2015-08-26T19:57:42-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 920901

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My person belief is I don't really care. If you have the desire to serve this country and all that entails then do it. It does not matter what your sexual orientation is or what you self identify as. But operational implementation is going to be a huge obstacle. How will these troops be identified and how will they be trained. Also what standards will they be held to. I can see some people trying to take advantage of a system that is not fully set up. But since I'm not the one making the decisions I don't know what higher will put in place to implement this change. I just hope it is well thought out.

2015-08-26T23:57:03-04:00 2015-08-26T23:57:03-04:00 TSgt Marco McDowell 920926

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I wonder if I wake up feeling like George Washington, can I declare myself President? I kid, I kid, my personal beliefs are irrelevant, if the DoD wants something, so be it. I'm retired so I don't have to worry with taking classes and briefs on this any more, but working on base means I will have to deal with the environment. I figure if anyone doesn't care for it and the issue far outweighs their desire to serve in the military, or be employed by the DoD,then drop your papers, quit or ride it out until your DOS/EAS. If not, then suck it up, it's going to happen and more sensitivity training is oscar mike. Now I'm definitely not a proponent of the taxpayer footing the bill for sex changes. This is a personal choice, but since they fund breast enlargements and such then I guess there can't be a debate unless they change elective surgeries for morale to a no-go

2015-08-27T00:24:33-04:00 2015-08-27T00:24:33-04:00 CW3 Private RallyPoint Member 921879

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well, I'm certainly looking forward to a reasonable, rational, sane discussion on this topic!<br /><br />I'm also very glad I'm typing so you can't see my face as I type this.

2015-08-27T12:07:00-04:00 2015-08-27T12:07:00-04:00 CW4 Private RallyPoint Member 921909

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>CW2 Lindsey Muller, this is a good news story.

2015-08-27T12:16:08-04:00 2015-08-27T12:16:08-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 921944

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Its an abomination, you weren't born a woman and trapped in a mans body. Genetics dont lie, you were born with a Y chromosome and that will never change. Now someone file an EO complaint on me or something.

2015-08-27T12:23:31-04:00 2015-08-27T12:23:31-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 921949

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Its an abomination, you weren't born a woman and trapped in a mans body. Genetics dont lie, you were born with a Y chromosome and that will never change. Now someone file an EO complaint on me or something.

2015-08-27T12:24:37-04:00 2015-08-27T12:24:37-04:00 SSgt Alex Robinson 921961

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let all who wish to serve do do! As long as people serve with honor, are professional, aren&#39;t a distraction and follow all military protocols I don&#39;t care. It&#39;s not my place to judge. There many people who have different lifestyles that serve honorably and it ought to be left at that!

2015-08-27T12:27:00-04:00 2015-08-27T12:27:00-04:00 SSG Ronald Williams 922029

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is simply a matter of civil rights.

2015-08-27T12:43:47-04:00 2015-08-27T12:43:47-04:00 SSG Ronald Williams 922034

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It is a simple matter of civil rights, regardless of opinion.

2015-08-27T12:44:45-04:00 2015-08-27T12:44:45-04:00 SGT Kristjan Rahe 922052

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My only issue with Transgender would be paying for any transition as with Chelsea manning, also permitting males to do female pt etc. Also, uniforms et al. Dangerous ground. When I was in I served with gay members and no one cared. This constant tinkering to fit PC agenda is the issue. Women HAVE been in combat since the Rev War , check history.

2015-08-27T12:48:33-04:00 2015-08-27T12:48:33-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 922054

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I usually do not endorse blanket statement but I do believe that anyone that has the burning desire to wear the US Armed Forces Uniform, pledge allegiance to defend and protect the amazing way of life of this amazing country the USA should get the opportunity to do so. Is it going to be difficult? Oh yes! I am not naive to believe that it will be an easy transition. However, I am encourage at how far we've come we just celebrated two female soldiers joining the ranger ranks. The military is looking more and more like its citizen. Does this mean the Army as a whole is moving towards one standards for every soldier regardless if the soldier happens to be male or female? In my narrow mind, I see that possibility as being a solution.

2015-08-27T12:48:46-04:00 2015-08-27T12:48:46-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 922057

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I usually do not endorse blanket statement but I do believe that anyone that has the burning desire to wear the US Armed Forces Uniform, pledge allegiance to defend and protect the amazing way of life of this amazing country the USA should get the opportunity to do so. Is it going to be difficult? Oh yes! I am not naive to believe that it will be an easy transition. However, I am encourage at how far we've come we just celebrated two female soldiers joining the ranger ranks. The military is looking more and more like its citizen. Does this mean the Army as a whole is moving towards one standards for every soldier regardless if the soldier happens to be male or female? In my narrow mind, I see that possibility as being a solution.

2015-08-27T12:50:02-04:00 2015-08-27T12:50:02-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 922069

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Respond to original question...I usually do not endorse blanket statement but I do believe that anyone that has the burning desire to wear the US Armed Forces Uniform, pledge allegiance to defend and protect the amazing way of life of this amazing country the USA should get the opportunity to do so. Is it going to be difficult? Oh yes! I am not naive to believe that it will be an easy transition. However, I am encourage at how far we&#39;ve come we just celebrated two female soldiers joining the ranger ranks. The military is looking more and more like its citizen. Does this mean the Army as a whole is moving towards one standards for every soldier regardless if the soldier happens to be male or female? In my narrow mind, I see that possibility as being a solution.

2015-08-27T12:53:01-04:00 2015-08-27T12:53:01-04:00 CSM Michael Chavaree 922084

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I find it interesting that a female that identifies as male receives anabolic steroids essentually to make the transformation, however, it is illigal for a male to take anabolic steroids because they want to become stronger.... Both are individuals that dont agree with their current physical condition, and neither effect the person to their left or right.

2015-08-27T12:55:38-04:00 2015-08-27T12:55:38-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 922122

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Can the Soldier meet the standards? Can they shoot? Will they fight, defend, and be willing to die for the mission and their fellow Soldiers? If the answer to all of these is YES, then send them to my unit. A good Trooper is a good Trooper!

2015-08-27T13:08:02-04:00 2015-08-27T13:08:02-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 922498

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I believe the military has always been in the front for making massive changes within society. The transgender issue shouldn&#39;t be any different. I think more than a few will be supportive of this growing population.

2015-08-27T15:00:01-04:00 2015-08-27T15:00:01-04:00 MSgt Donald G. 922801

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Curious to know how well the down-range Cadillac's will go over wit the mixed crowd. Any thoughts?

2015-08-27T17:20:42-04:00 2015-08-27T17:20:42-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 923388

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I had to think about this one a bit, and even after that I think that this Is another one of those issues that when you try to answer a question, you find yourself asking several more.<br /><br />First and foremost, I can see the impending social growing pains this change will incur. I absolutely agree that there have been many social changes that are demanding the services to adapt and keep up with by changing policy, and with such a large organization it takes time to implement changes. The military is its own American subculture which would have to undergo its own adaptations as well. I think with leadership maturely embracing this and enforcing equal treatment in their units that transgendered Soldiers should be able to serve without much difference than LGB Soldiers are able to.<br /><br />Next, I could anticipate that the healthcare aspect would get quite complex. How and when does DoD determine when assignment surgery is done? Is it considered a pre-existing condition or just counted as a medically necessary procedure to optimize functioning?<br /><br />And billeting, clothing, fitness standards. I am guessing that a transgendered Soldier would have to legally be recognized as the gender they identify with, but would they have to conform to the same sex as well? <br /><br />All else aside, I would have no issues with transgendered Soldiers serving openly, so long as they are able to carry out the mission, their job, and not cause undue burden from accommodations.

2015-08-27T22:12:39-04:00 2015-08-27T22:12:39-04:00 PO1 John Miller 923968

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I'm not sure how I feel about this honestly.<br /><br />While those of you who know me know that I fully support transgenders serving, I'm not so sure about gender reassignment surgery. What I mean by that is, should the military have to pay for one's surgery? The article doesn't cover that though it does mention allowing members to take convalescent leave to recover from surgery (which I'm okay with). <br /><br />I would like to hear the opinion of transgenders who are currently serving. Do you think the military should pay for your surgery (should you choose to have it) or would you be willing to pay for it yourself?<br />

2015-08-28T06:49:59-04:00 2015-08-28T06:49:59-04:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 925302

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Wow CW2 Lindsey Muller. You have had 84 views of your post so far and no response. I don't mind being first, although my comment is going to be generic.<br /><br />Service Members only have a handful of options of what to do regarding this and other controversial topics.<br /><br />1. They can address their concerns by writing their respective Congressmen/Congresswomen in an attempt to affect policy before implementation (highly recommended; it does work when enough people exercise that RESPONSIBILITY as an American citizen).<br /><br />2. They can address their concerns by writing their respective Congressmen/Congresswomen in an attempt to affect policy after implementation (not likely to achieve results, but could still work if enough people exercise that RESPONSIBILITY as an American citizen).<br /><br />3. If they desire to continue wearing the uniform and numbers 1 and/or 2 above are/were unsuccessful in achieving the desired results, then they can accept policy as implemented like any good Service Member should do.<br /><br />4. If they cannot accept policy that is put in place by our leaders, they can conform or seek other employment.<br /><br />It's also important to note that if they do not exercise numbers 1 and/or 2 above, they should look in the mirror and utter these words loudly:<br /><br />I didn't care enough to exercise my RESPONSIBILITY as an American citizen to provide my input regarding this issue prior to implementation and should therefore not complain when the policy is implemented due in part to my NEGLICENCE. With that being said, when I look at another Service Member, I see another Service Member. I don't see race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender dysphoria, or any of the other terms and labels we have come to use to describe people. I see a HUMAN BEING; a Service Member that raised their right hand and took an oath as I did.

2015-08-28T16:26:27-04:00 2015-08-28T16:26:27-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 968919

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So when this passes, if a male soldier then “identifies” as a female, will he/she then be held to the female standard of the APFT? How about hair regs?

2015-09-16T01:04:01-04:00 2015-09-16T01:04:01-04:00 2015-08-26T09:40:46-04:00