Trans Troops to be Discharged with No Waiver

by Joe

2-minute read

The U.S. Department of Defense has introduced a new policy that places significant restrictions on transgender individuals serving in the military, requiring them to either secure a waiver to remain in service or face potential discharge. This directive, outlined in a Pentagon memorandum dated February 7, 2023, mandates that transgender service members demonstrate 36 months of stability in their identified gender, among other stringent criteria, to qualify for a waiver. The policy has sparked widespread debate, as it marks a shift in the military's approach to transgender inclusion and raises questions about its impact on both individual service members and overall military readiness.

The memo emphasizes that the policy is designed to ensure that all service members meet the physical and mental standards necessary for combat effectiveness and operational readiness. According to the Department of Defense, these standards are critical to maintaining the military's ability to respond to global threats and fulfill its mission. However, critics argue that the policy could disproportionately affect transgender individuals, potentially forcing many out of service and undermining the military's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Considering that being "trans" is an obvious mental disorder; it seems like this may be a solid move towards military safety. Also to be considered is the fact that it is now law that so-called "trans individuals are not allowed in women's spaces. Removing these individuals would ensure this is a situation that is not an issue inside the military which is located all over the planet. Limiting incidents that may transpire from these individuals' self-perceived right to invade women's spaces. 

The new requirements stipulate that transgender service members must provide extensive documentation, including medical records and evidence of their gender identity stability over a three-year period. Additionally, they must meet the same fitness and health standards as their normal unconfused counterparts, which some advocates say could create unnecessary barriers for transgender individuals who are otherwise fully capable of serving. This makes no sense considering that if they cannot meet the requirements, which actually make a lot of sense, they clearly are not fully capable. The policy also requires that any medical treatments related to gender transition, such as hormone therapy or surgery, must not interfere with deployment or duty assignments. Another logical policy. 

This directive represents a reversal of the more inclusive policies implemented during the Obama administration, which allowed transgender individuals to serve openly and access gender-affirming medical care. The Trump administration had previously sought to ban transgender individuals from serving altogether, but that policy was blocked by federal courts. The Biden administration initially moved to restore the more inclusive approach, but the latest memo suggests a compromise that attempts to balance military readiness with the rights of transgender service members. Still, the Trump administration will be and is being attacked for this policy, despite a clearly rational approach to the situation. 

Reactions to the policy have been mixed. Supporters argue that it ensures consistency in military standards and prioritizes operational effectiveness, while opponents contend that it unfairly targets transgender individuals and could harm morale and retention within the armed forces. Advocacy groups, such as the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union, have criticized the policy as discriminatory and have vowed to challenge it legally if necessary. 

The policy also raises broader questions about the role of gender identity in the military and how best to balance individual rights with the demands of military service. It is worth noting that about 20 years ago, back when sanity still largely prevailed in the USA, it was well known that troops did not have many individual rights. You belonged to the government so to speak and that was that. You did as you were told and carried out your duties. Since the Obama era, the military has become weak in this area especially. 

Case in point, while other countries like China and Russia were producing ads for their armies that featured masculine images of war and strong men, the US Army under Biden was producing this ridiculous ad.