Page 8 - Desert Lightning News August 2016

8 August 5, 2016 Desert Lightning News
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Carter announces policy for transgenderFacebook.com/DesertLightningNews service members
O ce of the Secretary of Defense Press Operations
By Oct. 1, the DOD will create and distribute a commanders’ training hand-
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that book, medical protocol and guidance for changing a service member’s gender
transgender individuals will now be able to openly serve in the U.S. armed in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS). At this point, the ser-
forces. vices will be required to provide medically necessary care and treatment to
transgender service members according to the medical protocol and guidance,
e new Defense Department policy also establishes a construct by which and may begin changing gender markers in DEERS.
service members may transition gender while serving, sets standards for medi-
cal care and outlines responsibilities for military services and commanders to Prior to Oct. 1, requests for medical treatment will be handled on a case-by-
develop and implement guidance, training and specific policies in the near and case basis consistent with the spirit of the directive type memorandum and the
long term. DOD instruction issued June 30.

“ is is the right thing to do for our people and for the force,” Carter said. Over the course of the next year, the DOD will finalize force training plans
“We’re talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or and implementation guidance, revise regulations and forms, and train the
who want the opportunity to serve. We can’t allow barriers unrelated to a per- force, including commanders, human resources specialists, recruiters and ser-
son’s qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can vice members. Peter Levine, the acting under secretary of defense for person-
best accomplish the mission.” nel and readiness, will work with the military services to monitor and oversee
this effort.
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James vocalized her support for the policy change.
“Transgender Airmen serve alongside us with integrity, service and excel- At one year, the services will begin allowing transgender individuals to join
lence,” James said. “Today’s announcement is the first step in allowing trans- the armed forces, assuming they meet accession standards. In addition, an
gender Airmen to serve openly, receive medical care relating to gender transi- otherwise-qualified individual’s gender identity will not be considered a bar to
tion and allow transgender individuals to join the Air Force. Our strengths as a admission to a military service academy, or participation in the ROTC or any
military are the quality and character of our people and those things that make other accession program if the individual meets the new criteria.
us unique are the same things that make us strong. In the coming months we
will work diligently to fully implement Secretary Carter’s decision.” e full policy must be completely implemented no later than July 1, 2017.
To support service members, medical professionals and commanders dur-
e policy will be phased in during a one-year period. Effective immedi- ing the implementation period, the DOD has set up a central coordination
ately, service members may no longer be involuntarily separated, discharged cell which will serve as a central point of contact for technical questions and
or denied re-enlistment solely on the basis of gender identity. Service members concerns. e coordination cell is made up of legal experts, policy experts
currently on duty will be able to serve openly. and medical professionals familiar with the issue.

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