Found this on my Facebook page a few weeks back. Curious to what some of you might think about this.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/12/us/hagel-open-to-review-of-military-policy-on-transgender-people.html?_r=0

I would not get too excited right now. His statement was he was open to reviewing it, not that he actually would. It is kind of classic Orwellian doubletalk which politicians are good with.

The US military tends to be a bit overzealous with health exemptions.  If someone were on hrt or had some surgical procedures, it may very well excluse them regardless of whether they are trans or not.  I don't see this changing all that much. However, I am curious if one day being trans in itself were allowed in the military.

He's defiantly trying to appease people. A lot of policies would have to change and I'm sure transgendered applicants would have to apply for various waivers, which is hell right now.

As someone very close to this issue, I think we will see a significant shift within the next 1-2 years. Remember that Hagel wasn't asked about this issue at a press conference. He went out of his way to do an interview solely on this topic. He didn't gain political points for it. I think it is to pave the way for an actual announcement.  It is likely the DOD is already working on how to implement the policies. The Obama administration- for all it's faults- has made positive steps towards trans equality within the federal government. I have a feeling this is on his agenda somewhere after midterm elections and before the following political season so that it's news cycle has faded.

I don't really care about this, I don't care for the military.

Considering some of the rumors I have heard from my grandfather and active duty family (forced transition upon those who are gender confused/questioning) I can one day see them letting us in, but putting us in positions no one would willingly accept such as deep cover into a terrorist family as a 22nd wife for more recon on them, or drastically reducing the MOS they qualify for, such as no medical positions for the comfort of straight soldiers, forced medical positions but only allow us to work on openly gay/lesbian soldiers, no combat positions, or worse than that, they can drop the blanketed ban against us, but instead give a title 7 (permanent disqualification for mental health issues) when a person comes out as some MEPS facilities are doing now that Don't Ask, Don't Tell has been repealed.

In the end it won't be good for us.

Coming from someone who was involved, although for a short time still involved, in the military, this ban lift would mean a load of support for whoever from the transgender community. Now I agree with kariann, with the positions allowed and MOS qualifications, but hell gotta start somewhere. I don't like the way it starts, but with a lot of support and work, soon transgenders could hopefully go to MEPS and don't gotta worry about anything but not falling asleep.

Quote from: LatrellHK on September 15, 2014, 01:23:29 PM
Coming from someone who was involved, although for a short time still involved, in the military, this ban lift would mean a load of support for whoever from the transgender community. Now I agree with kariann, with the positions allowed and MOS qualifications, but hell gotta start somewhere. I don't like the way it starts, but with a lot of support and work, soon transgenders could hopefully go to MEPS and don't gotta worry about anything but not falling asleep.

fall asleep?? How could anyone do that?? I know when I went at 17.5 with my waiver in hand, I was so excited that falling asleep wasn't even an option and if I did reup and take a reduction of rank and pay grade I would be equally as excited today at 30

Well I mean I was excited and all but that inky lasts for so long. I remember going in scared but an excited scared. Then with all the paperwork and monotonous guy talking for what seemed like an eternity, I fought sleep every ten minutes. My first taste of military 'hurry up and wait' lifestyle. Also many of the doctors there's were very disrespectful towards female applicants so I had to deal with that bull->-bleeped-<-

I think the response.......... "No, but we're willing to learn" solves all...

Baring physical or mental disabilities that render military service out of the possibility, everybody should be equally eligible for military service.

Quote from: mac1 on October 19, 2014, 02:59:37 PM
Baring physical or mental disabilities that render military service out of the possibility, everybody should be equally eligible for military service.

EXACTLY! What I don't get, no matter how hard I actually try, is why not? Doesn't the military always go on about why people should sign up to serve their country? To serve and protect? To feel proud to be in the military? Seems that only applies if you're a straight white guy with no mental or physical disabilities fresh out of high school or still attending. But thats my opinion.