Posted on Nov 10, 2016
More than 100 troops seeking transgender care
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WASHINGTON — More than 100 transgender troops have informed the services that they want to transition to the opposite sex, be formally recognized in their new gender or are seeking counseling or medical treatment, according to documents and the military.
The troops are coming forward after the Pentagon’s new policy allowing the open service of transgender troops went into effect Oct. 1.
About 55 enlisted sailors and officers have informed their commanders they want to transition to the other gender, according to Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a Navy spokesman. There are 48 airmen who are seeking transgender medical care or counseling, said Maj. William Lewis, an Air Force spokesman. In October, Army chief of staff Gen. Mark Milley told the Associated Press that 10 soldiers had formally sought to be recognized in their new gender.
Sailors were informed Monday about the transgender sailors and urged to abide by the new policy, according to an email from the Navy’s chief of personnel.
“Today, we know of approximately 55 sailors who have waited for this policy to be finalized, and desire a gender transition,” Vice Adm. Robert Burke wrote in an email to commanders obtained by USA TODAY. “With few exceptions, these sailors have had faith that the Navy would come through, and they observed all regulations and standards applicable to their birth gender.”
The exceptions he referred to are sailors who sought treatment before the policy was finalized, said a Navy official who spoke on condition of anonymity because officials were not authorized to speak publicly about details of those seeking treatment. Burke’s message accompanied the Navy’s new policy for transgender sailors.
“We would ask that your leaders assist our sailors in conforming to Navy regulations and uphold Navy standards of conduct as we navigate this change," Burke wrote.
The Pentagon’s repeal of the ban on transgender troops was announced June 30 after months of internal debate. Some members of the military brass objected, fearing the change was happening too quickly. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not appear with Defense Secretary Ash Carter when the repeal was announced.
Transgender troops are estimated to make up a small fraction of the active-duty force of 1.3 million. A R AND Corp. study found there are as many as 6,630 transgender troops of whom dozens or a few hundred would seek hormone treatment or surgery. The cost of treating them was estimated at as much as $8.4 million per year. Individual treatment could cost as much as $50,000.
Transgender sailors must first prove to medical personnel that transition is medically necessary before treatment begins, according to guidance issued to commanders.
The Navy defined treatment that includes “real-life experience,” which could include wearing clothing of the opposite gender or hairstyle during off-duty hours, according to guidance issued to commanders.
Ultimately, treatment could also consist of hormone treatment and reassignment surgery.
“To remain the finest seagoing fighting force the world has ever known, the Navy needs people who are the right fit for the right job regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, or gender identity,” Christensen said. “Our goal is to ensure that the mission is carried out by the best-qualified and the most capable service members. If an individual can meet the Navy's standards, they should be afforded the opportunity to serve.”
The troops are coming forward after the Pentagon’s new policy allowing the open service of transgender troops went into effect Oct. 1.
About 55 enlisted sailors and officers have informed their commanders they want to transition to the other gender, according to Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a Navy spokesman. There are 48 airmen who are seeking transgender medical care or counseling, said Maj. William Lewis, an Air Force spokesman. In October, Army chief of staff Gen. Mark Milley told the Associated Press that 10 soldiers had formally sought to be recognized in their new gender.
Sailors were informed Monday about the transgender sailors and urged to abide by the new policy, according to an email from the Navy’s chief of personnel.
“Today, we know of approximately 55 sailors who have waited for this policy to be finalized, and desire a gender transition,” Vice Adm. Robert Burke wrote in an email to commanders obtained by USA TODAY. “With few exceptions, these sailors have had faith that the Navy would come through, and they observed all regulations and standards applicable to their birth gender.”
The exceptions he referred to are sailors who sought treatment before the policy was finalized, said a Navy official who spoke on condition of anonymity because officials were not authorized to speak publicly about details of those seeking treatment. Burke’s message accompanied the Navy’s new policy for transgender sailors.
“We would ask that your leaders assist our sailors in conforming to Navy regulations and uphold Navy standards of conduct as we navigate this change," Burke wrote.
The Pentagon’s repeal of the ban on transgender troops was announced June 30 after months of internal debate. Some members of the military brass objected, fearing the change was happening too quickly. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not appear with Defense Secretary Ash Carter when the repeal was announced.
Transgender troops are estimated to make up a small fraction of the active-duty force of 1.3 million. A R AND Corp. study found there are as many as 6,630 transgender troops of whom dozens or a few hundred would seek hormone treatment or surgery. The cost of treating them was estimated at as much as $8.4 million per year. Individual treatment could cost as much as $50,000.
Transgender sailors must first prove to medical personnel that transition is medically necessary before treatment begins, according to guidance issued to commanders.
The Navy defined treatment that includes “real-life experience,” which could include wearing clothing of the opposite gender or hairstyle during off-duty hours, according to guidance issued to commanders.
Ultimately, treatment could also consist of hormone treatment and reassignment surgery.
“To remain the finest seagoing fighting force the world has ever known, the Navy needs people who are the right fit for the right job regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, or gender identity,” Christensen said. “Our goal is to ensure that the mission is carried out by the best-qualified and the most capable service members. If an individual can meet the Navy's standards, they should be afforded the opportunity to serve.”
More than 100 troops seeking transgender care
Posted from militarytimes.comPosted in these groups: 
Transgender
Troops
Transgender Troops
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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I like how people want to use the funds to provide care for veterans without acknowledging that these servicemembers are veterans too.
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” ― George Orwell
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” ― George Orwell
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SSG Jessica Bautista
Sgt Kelli Mays - What do your gay and drag queen friends say about this? These exact words you're posting, not a watered down version.
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SGT (Join to see)
Sgt Kelli Mays - I have a friend at the VA who also had breast reduction surgery because of the same reasons you listed for the Nurse you worked with. When she first told me about it, she told me she had a boob job. I told her I didn't know the VA did cosmetic surgery. She told me about her neck, back, etc. and they would if you're in physical pain.
I don't know the pain transgenderes have, if any. When our Government approved of the LGBT community being open about their sexuality, I think that was an approval of taking care of those in the LGBT community. How far they are taken care of at the VA, is the VA's decision. I think sooner or later, the surgeries will be approved, since the Government opened Pandoras Box. All of us are born in our own body and sometimes that body is felt different than what sex it was born in. I believe that. I didn't used to but I do now. Therefore I don't think it's an elective surgery. Before the Miltary said it's ok to be gay, trans, or whatever, those people had to pay for their own surgeries. Now that the Military knows who's who, and because they approved, they should take care of their commitment they made to the them when they enlisted, or came out after it was ok to do that. It does make me feel for them when they continue having to defend themselves, and trying to make their case against those who don't approve. Thank you for tagging me. I don't know if that's the response you expected, but that's how I feel about all people's rights in the Military.
I don't know the pain transgenderes have, if any. When our Government approved of the LGBT community being open about their sexuality, I think that was an approval of taking care of those in the LGBT community. How far they are taken care of at the VA, is the VA's decision. I think sooner or later, the surgeries will be approved, since the Government opened Pandoras Box. All of us are born in our own body and sometimes that body is felt different than what sex it was born in. I believe that. I didn't used to but I do now. Therefore I don't think it's an elective surgery. Before the Miltary said it's ok to be gay, trans, or whatever, those people had to pay for their own surgeries. Now that the Military knows who's who, and because they approved, they should take care of their commitment they made to the them when they enlisted, or came out after it was ok to do that. It does make me feel for them when they continue having to defend themselves, and trying to make their case against those who don't approve. Thank you for tagging me. I don't know if that's the response you expected, but that's how I feel about all people's rights in the Military.
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That is interesting news SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. It seems the US Navy has the most service members at 55, with 48 USAF airmen and 10 Army soldiers.
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LTJG (Join to see)
LTC Stephen F. - Exactly what SSG A. Nazzal said. The Navy has 55 who have requested a change, up to a certain level that is reporting. The Army has actually changed 10 in DEERS. As far as I know, I am one of the first 3-5 that the Navy has officially changed in DEERS, but many more are coming from all branches and all ranks. Additionally, even though there are thousands of us serving, only a small fraction of those are ready to transition right now. The majority were waiting for the policy before even starting, and many are waiting for an opportune time in their career. (e.g. not on deployment or with a unit that may be hostile towards a trans person).
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LTC Stephen F.
LTJG (Join to see) - I specifically said that "it seems" because good journalists report what has been actually reported. SSG A. Nazzal.
A decade ago when I was assigned to the Pentagon as a reservist and supporting Army G-4 as a consultant, there was a retired Army LTC who went through the gender reassignment surgery in Army G-4. This new woman was ostracized by the women and men who worked in that large room. I am a Christian and try to be faithful to do what God tells me. God prompted me to be kind to this woman while others shunner her. We didn't work in the same area but when I passed by or we crossed each other's path I would smile and greet her publicly. I could tell it was a great relief for her not to be insulted, stared down, etc.
I caught flack from many because I didn't follow the pack attitude.
I try to remember that each and every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of respect.
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL CPT L S
A decade ago when I was assigned to the Pentagon as a reservist and supporting Army G-4 as a consultant, there was a retired Army LTC who went through the gender reassignment surgery in Army G-4. This new woman was ostracized by the women and men who worked in that large room. I am a Christian and try to be faithful to do what God tells me. God prompted me to be kind to this woman while others shunner her. We didn't work in the same area but when I passed by or we crossed each other's path I would smile and greet her publicly. I could tell it was a great relief for her not to be insulted, stared down, etc.
I caught flack from many because I didn't follow the pack attitude.
I try to remember that each and every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of respect.
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL CPT L S
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