On March 12, the Department of Defense issued
Memorandum (DTM)-19-004 - Military Service by Transgender Persons and Persons with Gender Dysphoria implementing the military's new policy limiting service in the military by transgender persons. The new policy is effective April 12, 2019. While there are special transition provisions for individuals who have enlisted before the effective date of the new policy, for future recruits, the following policy applies:
(1) A history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria is disqualifying unless:
(a) As certified by a licensed mental health provider, the applicant demonstrates 36 consecutive months of stability in the applicant’s biological sex immediately preceding submission of the application without clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning; and
(b) The applicant demonstrates that the applicant has not transitioned to his or her preferred gender and a licensed medical provider has determined that gender transition is not medically necessary to protect the health of the individual; and
(c) The applicant is willing and able to adhere to all applicable standards, including the standards associated with the applicant’s biological sex.
(2) A history of cross-sex hormone therapy or a history of sex reassignment or genital reconstruction surgery is disqualifying.
The DOD has created a
special website explaining in clear language and diagrams the new policy.
Washington Post reports on the new policy.
