Navy, Marine leaders: No problem with transgender troops

Petty Officer Second Class Taryn McLean (right) was sworn in by his friend, Navy Lieutenant JoAnna Kyle. McLean was born female but identifies as male.

By Lolita C. Baldor ASSOCIATED PRESS APRIL 19, 2018

WASHINGTON — The top military leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps said Thursday they have seen no discipline, morale, or unit readiness problems with transgender troops now serving openly in the military.

General Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that some of his commanders have said there are no problems at all. Others, he said, say they’re spending ‘‘a lot of time’’ with transgender individuals as they work through medical requirements involving the transition from birth gender to preferred gender.

He said there are currently 27 in his force who have identified themselves as transgender. Dealing with the medical requirements, he said, can be a burden on commanders. Those issues don’t include any unit cohesion or discipline problems, he said.

The Pentagon in 2016 lifted the ban on transgender troops serving openly in the military. President Trump has pushed for a ban, but that directive is being challenged in numerous court cases. While the court actions proceed, the Pentagon continues to allow transgender troops to serve and is allowing them to enlist.

more
https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2018/04/19/navy-marine-leaders-problem-with-transgender-troops/11FEUqKOpcf6O18xs55WVN/story.html?et_rid=1758384569&s_campaign=todaysheadlines:newsletter

If the paywall won't let you in to see the article, go here:
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/04/19/no-reports-of-transgender-troops-affecting-unit-cohesion-marine-corps-and-navy-leaders-say/