What are your thoughts on Trannsexuals in the military.

2014-03-14T09:26:38-04:00

<p>I recently heard a story pertaining to Trans Genders in the military and a group is fighting for the right for these people to join the military. I have not been in the military for almost 6 years so I have no idea what it could do. I was not in when the "don't ask don't tell" policy was removed so I have not seen the effects. What is your opinion? Here is the latest news story.</p><p><br></p><p>http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/03/13/report_on_transgender_military_service_there_s_no_reason_to_keep_trans_people.html</p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/uploads/2014/3/13/screen_shot_20140313_at_12.55.08_pm.png/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.web.1280.1280.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/03/13/report_on_transgender_military_service_there_s_no_reason_to_keep_trans_people.html" target="_blank">The Military’s Ban on Transgender Service Members Is Prejudice, Pure and Simple</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">When the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy ended in 2011, the ban on transgender service remained in place, contained in a different set of regulations distinct from the DADT law. For some, ta...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 13 at 2014 2:19 PM

2014-03-13T14:19:38-04:00

SFC Tierney, I just read this article on Yahoo.  I believe AR 670-1 will have to be changed in reference to males wearing women's clothing.  I am not sure where to start on this subject.  I will just say lift the ban and allow our soldiers to live as they want, as they feel who they are.  If anyone here believes this is immoral or unethical, I will say don't judge others to your standards.  I hold nothing against people who believe they are in the wrong body or when they want to start the transition process.  They should be able to serve in the military freely.  I support all my soldier no matter gay or straight, atheist or religious or even if they want to change their sex.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-03-13T14:38:35-04:00

I'm a live and let live kind of guy.  But there will be no "positive results that can come from this."<br>

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 14 at 2014 12:40 AM

2014-03-14T00:40:07-04:00

Yes, you are very correct; there must be changes accross the board and if this is to be made reality, I will continue to be committed to support soldiers no matter what.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 1:03 PM

2014-03-14T13:03:35-04:00

I have none. Any able bodied American should be able to serve his/her country, PERIOD!!!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 14 at 2014 3:03 PM

2014-03-14T15:03:38-04:00

All I wanna know; is a wig enough to get me on the female PT scale, or is getting clipped mandatory? I wanna score 500 on my PT test, but not THAT badly! =)

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 4:03 PM

2014-03-14T16:03:36-04:00

I have none, nor do I see any. Any able bodied American should be able to serve his/her country, PERIOD!!!

Response by Cpl Mark T. made Mar 14 at 2014 4:09 PM

2014-03-14T16:09:50-04:00

Well, this should keep JAG busy for about the next 20 years *or* until someone decides if the US Military is some sort of sick, social experiment *OR* is indeed an organization with the primary goal and purpose to protect the United States from all enemies (foreign and domestic).

Until our elected official grow a set and quit playing games, I guess we'll be color coordinated and look F A B U L O U S!

Response by SrA Michael Waldo made Mar 14 at 2014 5:32 PM

2014-03-14T17:32:56-04:00

I second what SFC Carlos said. Anyone able to put service before self, and soldier on when times get shitty; by all means, they deserve the right to do so just as much as anyone else. Racism and discrimination is a cycle that falls from one group on to another as soon as morons run out of reasons to hate a certain group.

As a former MP, I can see it being pretty awkward for someone to be arrested by a transgender MP, but that's only because I've never seen it done before. By no means would I nor should anyone cast out another human being just because they live their lives differently. Everyone should be allowed the chance to be a warrior. I've seen heroic gay dudes and cowardly straight dudes. Anyone that's outraged or sickened by the thought of allowing the LGBT community in the military will probably be the first one to get their ass kicked by a throng of morbidly obese, drunk and pissed off Dependopotamus'. They'll be highly disappointed they didn't have that 6'6 brick shit house tranny on their team to dish out haymakers at the bar brawl they responded to lol.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 5:36 PM

2014-03-14T17:36:35-04:00

People have a right to do with their bodies as they choose just as much they have the right to breathe, speak freely and do anything else they please as long as they remain law abiding citizens. The same goes for service in the armed forces. They have a right to serve just like anyone who is not trans-gender.

My opinion is simple and straightforward: If they are able bodied (stole that from SFC Walcott), can do their assigned job in the military and fight on a battle field if called upon, then I could give two squirts of duck shit what their physical make-up consists of. I don't judge. I lead and if they can be lead to become effective future leaders then that's all that really matters IMO.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 11:18 PM

2014-03-14T23:18:18-04:00

SrA Bolling I am sick of this social engineering. It is disruptive and unfair to SM serviceman.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 14 at 2014 11:19 PM

2014-03-14T23:19:20-04:00

Couldn't care less.....

Response by SrA Zachary Bolling made Mar 15 at 2014 11:56 AM

2014-03-15T11:56:25-04:00

Personally I would have had no problem serving next to anybody willing to dedicate themselves to their country. Live and let live.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 2:18 PM

2014-03-15T14:18:19-04:00

This shouldn't be an issue. If they can perform to standard (which is getting lower everyday) then they should be allowed to contribute.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 2:47 AM

2014-03-16T02:47:09-04:00

With all the challenges facing our military this issue is just inane. Personally I do not care what people do but how about spending more time worrying about more important things than about gay marriages and transgender issues.

Response by SSG Jason Deters made Mar 16 at 2014 3:03 AM

2014-03-16T03:03:37-04:00

Medical logistic difficulties aside, what would the actual unit impact be?
I have served in both combat arms units as well as combat support units and in either environment I can still clearly imagine the hardships a transgender soldier would face. Jokes, whispers just out of earshot, lack of acceptance and of course the possibility of hate crimes.... yes I know we are supposed to be a professional group with values, and the majority of us are - but we all know there are more than a few rude, ignorant and downright mean soldiers in every unit.

What would the gender segregation impacts be? For example, what latrine would a transgender use? Would it depend on operative status? If they have/still have a penis they use the male latrine or if they have/still have a vagina they use the female latrine? What about IADT (basic training)? I assume they still segregate males and females to different barracks. Which barracks would a transgender use? (similar to which latrine issue).
As for equal rights - would this allow me to re-enlist after being medically disqualified because of a condition which requires periodic blood tests and visits to a specialist every 90 days regardless of duty location? How is hormone replacement (HRT) any different? HRT for transgender also requires periodic blood tests and periodic consultation with a medical specialist. On this basis wouldn't that disqualify them for military service under the same regulation that disqualified me?

If they can serve with the unique medical challenges they voluntarily submit themselves to, couldn't I then serve as well? If so, I'd like to finish my career (7 ore years) and retire. Aside from what I mentioned, it wouldn't matter to me if my Platoon SGT, 1st SGT or commander was a transgender - granted, trips to the NCO club might become a little more awkward, but just let me finish what I started 17 years ago.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 8:26 AM

2014-03-16T08:26:51-04:00

This issue is a microcosm of the greater issue our force has been struggling with: how do we define professional military service?

In the last five years we have revisited subjects such as sex with regard to military occupational sepcialties (I say "sex" because in this thread with gender as a subject, the difference between sex and gender should be defined). We have looked at outward expression- grooming standards, tattoos, piercings. We have dealt with sexual orientation. Now we face gender identity as a subject of discussion.

What does a US Soldier / Sailor / Airman / Marine look like in the 21st century?

I can't speak for, "the majority," but I can tell you what this one SFC would like to see as the definition: An expertly trained, highly-disciplined, physically fit, and uniquely motivated warfighter capable of effective communication, operation in conventional and assymetrical environments, and use of lethal force in pursuit of US military objectives.

There are troops and leaders in our formation who will resist the integration of people who meet my definition because of other factors of the individual's identity. That is an unfortunatel reflection of society as a whole, where sections of our nation continue to maintain divisive attitudes towards ethnic groups, sexual orientations, religious choices, and other factors. It needs to be an organizational decision to terminate those values within the force, as well as the service members who propagate them.

In the meantime, I'll take those troops in my platoon/company, and be proud to serve with them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 11:37 AM

2014-03-16T11:37:05-04:00

BLUF: Transgender/sexual soldiers should be allowed to serve provided they require no further medical treatment regarding their change in sex/gender, nor should a service member be allowed to initiate a gender/sex change while serving in the military.

America's culture is changing, and with that, the culture of the military is changing. We're becoming more inclusive and trying to provide equal opportunity for all soldiers to serve their country the way they see fit. There are transgender men and women who currently serve now, just as there were homosexual men and women serving before the repeal of DADT.

I do not think that transgender hormone therapy nor the actual transsexual reconstruction should be paid for by the military. For first order effects, I foresee service members demanding medical coverage of cosmetic/plastic surgeries, which are currently not a covered benefit of Tricare. For second/third order effects: The rise in surgeries will in turn become expensive for the military due to an increase in unnecessary surgeries, and the surgeries will result in a rapid increase in profiles which will impact the readiness of any unit.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 6:57 PM

2014-03-16T18:57:28-04:00

The Military is a snapshot of society. Inevitably, we'll have to deal with this and the lawyers will have a field day sorting out what "right" looks like. This said, I submit that an otherwise fully qualified trans (sexual/gender/intersex/add your choice) who is complete (finished with their particular surgery) at their own expense should be allowed to serve. We (DoD) should not have to foot the bill for their decision.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 4:51 PM

2014-03-17T16:51:02-04:00

I think anyone willing to fight and die to defend our nation has a right to; that said, military leadership has a responsibility to build the most cohesive force possible because teamwork and morale are an integral part of winning. Pragmatically speaking, I don't see this working well until we're culturally more like "Starship Troopers" or "Forever War." I would expound, but I haven't the time so enjoy picking this apart...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 8:51 PM

2014-03-22T20:51:32-04:00

how would you know if they were transgendered?

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2014 11:33 PM

2014-07-25T23:33:48-04:00

It's also a question of open service SrA Bolling. We're already in the military, we've been here quite awhile and we've proven with continued service and constant mobilization to deployed combat zones that we are as fully able bodied as the next guy. To my knowledge there hasnt been any adverse effects from the lifting of DADT. Im sure i would have seen some huge news report about it by now. Open transgender service isnt on the forefront of anything at the moment in the US. There are 13 other countries if i remember correctly have this open service and have had it for close to 20 years. Im sure it wouldn't be too hard to piggy back off of them when it comes down to revision, but i dont see it coming for a long while still. Most of the comments i read were actually very professional and to be honest I was shocked. I joined in 2009 when DADT was just starting to face the chopping block and i remember how hostile that environment could be. Transgender individuals aren't looking to bring Ru Pauls drag race to your unit. Its not perverted looking men in fishnet stockings and boa's sporting their mothers lipstick, and lesbians in ties and suits claiming to be the worlds first pregnant man. I have a 99% pass rate on my base meaning no one identifies my legal gender correctly on a daily basis aside from personnel in my squadron whom i was antiquated with as "female" to my distaste. I blend in with everyone else, the same as everyone else and i don't call attention to myself in any capacity until "someone else"key words here, does. Same as DADT, Its not a question of " Are we capable to serve", but " are you capable to remain professional around change". I get that we are an "interesting" group of people, but we're not so different from the rest of you. And if you throw out the stigma surrounding us you'll realize that's true. Everyone in the military is held to a standard, those who can not maintain are weeded out. If we can uphold the same standard as everyone else, you'll see this isn't an issue and will have little impact on how we operate as a force.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 11:55 PM

2014-11-04T23:55:15-05:00

Combating prejudice is hard. You have to convince someone they are wrong. The problem with prejudice is that the person you must convince is someone who is willing to pass judgment without first having all the facts.

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 9 at 2015 7:19 AM

2015-01-09T07:19:36-05:00

Personally, who cares? I'm not having "relations" with these people. Ultimately, I just hope they can do their job, and do it well. Sexuality and birth sex do not need to be connected for that.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Mar 2 at 2015 9:53 PM

2015-03-02T21:53:11-05:00

This is being pushed on the military for political reasons. It makes no sense that our Cmdr-in-Chief would be pushing for this when it is going to cost the military more to cater to transgenders... and what benefit do we gain that justifies the additional expense? Is it worth it? I personally don't think so. I really don't see this as improving our military capabilities and don't think it sends a good message to our allies. In fact, it may simply embolden our enemies to despise us.

Obama to Joint Chiefs: We Need Funds for Military Transgender Surgery

New Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Sunday that transgender people shouldn’t be prevented from serving in the U.S. military solely based on their gender identity, noting it should not “preclude” them from service. ” (W)e want to make our conditions and experience of service as attractive as possible to our best people in our country. …