Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced June 30 that the military would no longer disqualify transgender people from serving, effective immediately.
Back in July 2015, the Pentagon began a study to determine what it would take to lift the transgender ban.
“The Defense Department's current regulations regarding transgender service members are outdated and are causing uncertainty that distracts commanders from our core missions,” said the July 2015 press release.
According to reports, there is still some resistance to lifting the ban, particularly within Marine Corps leadership.
Secretary Carter noted June 30 that a number of American allies, including the U.K., welcome transgender service members.
It is unclear how many transgender people currently serve in the military, but it is estimated that there could be thousands.
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