What are your concerns towards the military's new policy with processing transgender applicants (stay professional)?

2017-12-31T19:30:58-05:00

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Dec 31 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-12-31T20:13:14-05:00

The biggest concern for many is their deployability or not. If they're going through the transition, they're non-deployable. Non-deployable soldiers is something that SMA Dailey said was the biggest problem with the Army. Also, when you have suicide rates of 46% for trans men and 42% for trans women, that presents another concern.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 2:43 PM

2018-01-01T14:43:08-05:00

....treat them like any other normal candidate, following established policy and guidelines concerning their Accession. Keep your personal feelings out of the equation, just like you would for any other candidate.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 8:43 AM

2018-01-02T08:43:41-05:00

My thoughts on the issue don't matter. I do what I'm told to do by higher. I will continue to follow lawful orders until I believe those orders compromise my morals and my Christian faith. At that time I'll prepare myself for the repercussions that are sure to follow.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 2 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-01-02T09:19:00-05:00

While I think it's absurd to write regulations to accommodate such a small group, my reading of the guidance seem to say that they can serve as long as they don't actively try to alter their sex, which you could do before. Am I misunderstanding it?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2018 10:08 AM

2018-01-02T10:08:14-05:00

Truly?
I think it is a nothing-burger.
The number of trans recruits at standard recruiting age is small to the point where one wonders what the win is.
Having said that, for the handful of qualified, trans recruits that are going to enter the system annually, they need to be treated fairly and with respect. The policy guidance as I read it addresses the possibility that recruiters apply their own personal beliefs to head off potential recruits that have transitioned, are in the process, or plan to do so. That is prudent guidance and the right thing to do.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2018 11:35 AM

2018-01-03T11:35:38-05:00

My concern is that we are allowing people with an identified mental illness into our ranks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-01-06T10:22:04-05:00

The current policy pretty much still makes it impossible to join. Have to be completely post op for 18 months with nothing but hormone medication. You also have to submit counseling and medical records. We all know what is usually in counseling records....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 10:23 AM

2018-01-06T10:23:27-05:00

Also I would like to mention that DOD did not okay this, the court system did because of a law suit.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jan 6 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-01-06T18:34:50-05:00

I left the military when "Don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) was still in affect, so I pretty much have stayed out of those topics.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 7 at 2018 2:06 PM

2018-01-07T14:06:50-05:00

I served in the DADT period, and it was an eye opener to be told the truth when they left the service. But the point is and should be like anything else: If they do their job, serve honorably, work hard, don't hit on other troops- WHO CARES. The only point I would worry about is their deployablity status, and the fact if they enlist to go thru the changes, that is taking hard cash from the troops, programs and Vets needing healthcare. Let them pay for it themselves and then enter the service.