Transgender Service Members: Serving in Silence

Honestly I don't what gender, sexuality, race, creed, color, or none of that. To me the real question is...CAN YOU GET THE JOB DONE. And that should be every leaders question if you ask me.

So no I don't think its fair. You're denying someone the chance to server basically because of physical presentation instead qualification. Unless being transgendered is some how stopping them from getting the job done why are they being denied the opportunity?

Don't sit here and tell me its because members would feel uncomfortable. I hear it all the time, how the US military is a big melting of Americans of every religion, race, and all that. C'mon ppl...like I said....the question should be CAN YOU GET THE JOB DONE!

Seriously if I see another one of these threads about people bitching because of their orientation, or their specific lifestyle, I am going to lose it.

I DON T CARE. IF you can do your damn job, and perform to the standard and are capable just like the supposed rest of us, then quit your whining, do your damn job, shut up and go home. I don t care, no one else cares, and quite frankly, look what happened?

One of the coolest people in my book, a Navy SEAL, went and had a sex change. Do I think any less or differently of said person? NO. They served honorably. If there are people out there who think its weird for transgendered people to serve, then they have another think coming.

NOW, on the flip side, if they try and play the supposed male or female card, or TG card, then along come the counseling statements. I will build a papertrail and when it comes time to chapter their happy ass out of the military, then I have documents to prove why I am doing so.

Bottom line: they serve, they serve to standard, and help their battle buddy, sailors, Marines, and airmen out, then cool. That s all I have to say about that.

I'll just leave this here for folks who have did not realize that transgenders have already been serving in the military.

http://tavausa.org/

The medical care related to transgender people, both psychologically and physically, is immense and expensive. These people are not like Gay or Lesbian people who merely have a sexual orientation. Transgender people have some deeply psychological problems that the military does not need to waste time, effort or money on. I do not believe they have a place in the military and look at them in the same light as I do at a any person with a severely debilitating psychological disorder.
In this instance it is not about a desire to serve the country, it is about cost and psychological status. I have no ill feeling towards transgendered people, I just do not believe they have a place in the military.

There has to be a point in which biology trumps political correctness. There are just way too many questions that would have to be answered. PT standards, living quarters, safety, etc. And the list goes on and on. We aren't talking about working at your neighborhood restaurant here. Standards and rules are necessary. Some may not like it, but we all understand (or should) sacrifice. And in this case, political correctness needs to be sacrificed for the greater good. Even if a transgendered individual can physically and mentally perform his or her duties in accordance with standards, if it is a distraction to the rest of the unit, is it then worth it? And lets not forget of the possible consequences of a transgender service person becoming a POW. I don't even know where to begin to try and understand the ramifications of that, both in theater and at home. The military is at its best when the least amount of politics govern it. My opinion at least.

Technology sure can throw a monkey wrench into the works. For thousands of years we move along as a developing society and assume that things are the way they are. Men are born men, and women are born women. In EXTREMELY rare circumstances, there is a case where biology/genetics/nature throws us a curve ball. We make huge breakthroughs in science and technology and because we have the technology to do something, we do it. For example, recently they found viable DNA from a human being from thousands of years ago and due to our "superior knowledge and technology", we have the ability to impregnate a modern woman with this material and have a modern "caveman." Why do this? Because it can be done. In order to fulfill our agenda, we go to advocacy groups and throw mud at each other. "If you don't agree wiith me, you are not a Christian." "If you don't agree with me, you support terrorism." "If you don't agree with me, you are a bigot, racist, communist, liberal, unconstitutional, ignorant, illegal immigrant, war monger, hippy, left-wing, right-wing, bat-crap crazy, athiest. In a world of 6 billion plus people, we need to focus on a miniscule portion of individuals because I can further my agenda. Where is the passion for the veterans who give everything they had to defend the very system that allows these focus groups to thrive? My mistake. Freedom is free. Everything revolves around ME and MY right to do what I want, where I want, and to whom I want. If you get in my way........see the above named labels. I wonder which group will be the first to sue me for interfering with their cash flow?

If they meet the physical and mental requirements, then they should have the choice to fight for their country.  Nothing changed when 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010' came into effect, why should this be any different?  

Great comments from each of you.
Definitely poses a grand dilemma. However if I may chime in.
1. This is still an all Volunteer Force. Amen to that....for now.
2. There is a CLEAR DELINEATION...(cross-dressers are not transgender)
3. It is not about good order and discipline. It is about mission readiness. It costs money to do that type of surgery...and the LGBT community is catching on quickly to the many free perks we receive in the military.
4. This is a budget constrained environment.
5. The basis of the argument here is about allowing them to serve.
6. Uncle Sam is just NOT going to pay for a surgery that requires almost two years to complete...with unknown results. That is equivalent of HALF a service enlistment or commissioned service obligation.
7. Personal feelings have to take the back seat. The good of the WHOLE is what is at stake here, not the wants of the few.
9. We all have the right to life, liberty and happiness, but you also have an OBLIGATION to conform to standards regardless of your personal issues.
Many have come and gone who were in the same boat. They got out AFTER serving their time with honor and distinction.... NOT RECKLESSNESS and INSUBORDINATION, because they didn't get their way....like the Burger King commercial.
In short....Serve because you are committed to serving our nation and her people...not because you want something out of it for your personal gain or to fight a political agenda.
YES...the GOOD OLE BOYS are still around, they will always be there. It is never going to change, because it is in plain and simple fact...that it is the good ole boys that make the hard decisions on the defense of the nation and not about someone's personal...and I reiterate...PERSONAL lifestyle choice.


Now get back to work!!

I have no issue with people doing their duty and service to their country. However, BLUF: I don't care who you are or what your beliefs or special interest are. If you join, then you do so of your own free will understanding that you aren't special, you don't deserve anything more or less than anyone else and you abide by and maintain the standard. I do not feel the military (since everyone sacrifices some of what they think or believe in order to serve) is the place to worry about whether you are gay, straight, bi, trans, or any damn thing else. Personal life is just that, personal, leave it at home and come to work like everyone else, toe the line, and do your damn jobs. There are a few things I do feel strongly about in regards to this topic. #1 The government should never have to "foot" for you to have a kickstand "added" or have it removed anymore than I feel the government should "foot" the bill for rhinoplasty or breast enlargement/reduction unless it is medically necessary. Last I checked having your "kickstand" removed or added is not a medical necessity. #2 The government should never have to pay for your hormone replacement treatments, Just as I do not expect them to pay for Rogaine for hair replacement. #3 Do not expect any special concessions for your choices, I don't expect anything for being heterosexual, bald, or having a big nose.
Largest issues I can see are as follows, What latrine do you use without making everyone who is not transgender be uncomfortable with you using the latrine with them? Does this mean we now have to have a transgender latrine to ensure that no one has an issue with it? Same thing for showers with the same issues and no I personally would never be comfortable with someone who was born the opposite sex using the same latrine or shower as I, just as I am certain a great many other people feel. PT test, Whose standards do you abide by now? A person who grew up as a man will be built vastly different than someone who grew up as a female. Do we hold transgender females to the male standard and transgender males to the female standard or vice versa? To automatically group a man who became a "woman" to the female standard or grouping a female who became "male" to the male standard is ludicrous.
There are a great many issues to examine long before placing something like this into effect. This is something that should not receive approval until all aspects are not only examined but some way of addressing them is in place and does not in any way compromise our ability to conduct the mission which overall is more important than anyone's view point.

I'm sure that would also raise proper, logical questions like "Are they restricted from certain MOSes [valid until women can join the infantry]?" and other things like which PT standard, which latrine, etc. But I think the military can figure out acceptable answers.

I joined the Army in the mid-90s, when they could apparently still ask "Are you a communist?" and "are you a homosexual?" I knew a lot of gay soldiers, and not only was I completely okay with it, I often found that they were some of the most outstanding soldiers I'd ever met.

I've never met a transgender soldier, but I have met and befriended a few transgender people, both MtF and FtM. I say, if they're enthusiastic about serving their country, and they'll grab a weapon, hop in a foxhole, and put the meat before the metal, LET THEM. Who gives a crap what gender they want to be?