Tom Vanden Brook

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — A Pentagon policy allowing transgender troops to serve openly is in the final stages of approval and is expected to be released within weeks, according to Defense Department sources.

Gender dysphoria disqualifies service members under current policy. However, Defense Secretary Ash Carter enacted a de facto moratorium on such dismissals last year as the Defense Department crafted its new guidelines. Officials have been wrestling with several issues regarding transgender troops including recruiting, medical treatment, housing, uniforms and physical fitness standards.

A high-level meeting took place Monday to lay out the terms of repeal and when it will be announced, according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon acknowledged Tuesday that issues surrounding the repeal of ban are rapidly moving toward resolution.

“Senior leaders across the services and the (Defense) Department have met recently to consider some of the remaining key issues and are progressing quickly toward submitting recommendations to the Secretary,” Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement. “We acknowledge this process has taken some time, and that there are those that would like to see a policy decision immediately.

“It is important that we carefully consider the myriad of medical, privacy and service-unique issues so as to develop a policy that both ensures that service members who meet applicable standards are free to serve openly and addresses the readiness needs of our armed forces.”

Pentagon moves closer to allowing transgender troops to serve

Last year, Carter ordered a six-month review of issues regarding transgender service, assuming they could serve openly unless specific problems were identified.

Pentagon officials had been considering a pilot program that would allow transgender troops receiving medical treatment to take a break from service. They would return to the ranks after transitioning to the other gender. Another issue concerned revisiting the discharge status of transgender troops dismissed because of their condition, a move that could affect their veterans’ benefits.

The new policy is expected to affect a fraction of the military’s 1.2 million active duty troops. A RAND Corp. report found that fewer than 2,500 troops are transgender and that 65 would seek treatment annually, The New York Times reported last month.

Brad Carson, who stepped down this year as the Pentagon's top official for personnel and an advocate for repealing the ban, welcomed news that the ban will soon be repealed.

"Two years ago, I set out on a path to allow open transgender service," Carson said. "There were many at the time who didn't believe that such a policy change was possible. I am very proud to see an imminent announcement culminating in this change. The real accolades for this historic moment go to those brave transgender service members who raised their hands and demanded that their service and identity be recognized."

Advocates of the policy change said they were encouraged by the news.

“I am buoyed by continued signs of the Pentagon’s commitment to ending discrimination against its transgender service members," said Aaron Belkin, director of The Palm Center, which advocates for sexual minorities in the military. "Extensive research and the experiences of our allied forces show that if and when inclusive policy takes effect, strong leadership as well as holding transgender service members to the same standards as everyone else will ensure successful implementation. I look forward to reviewing the new policy to determine whether it reflects best practices."

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