Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is about to announce that effective immediately the ban on transgender soldiers and military personnel serving openly has been lifted.Â
Watch live above.
UPDATE:
“The Defense Department and the military need to avail ourselves of all talent possible in order to remain what we are now — the finest fighting force the world has ever known,” Secretary Ash Carter said.
“We don’t want barriers unrelated to a person’s qualification to serve preventing us from recruiting or retaining the soldier, sailor, airman or marine who can best accomplish the mission. We have to have access to 100% of America’s population,” he added, CNN reports.Â
“Although relatively few in number, we’re talking about talented and trained Americans who are serving their country with honor and distinction,” he said. “We want to take the opportunity to retain people whose talent we’ve invested in and who’ve proven themselves.”
While the ban ends immediately, implementation will take up to a year. By October 1 medical services should be available and personnel should be able to change their listed gender.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.