The first openly transgender recruit has passed both the physical and medical exams and signed a military service contract, DoD confirmed.
The recruit, from Illinois, was not immediately identified by gender or service.
Openly transgender individuals have not previously been able to join the military. But policy changes implemented by former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and a series of court cases, opened a path for them to enlist, beginning Jan. 1.
Currently serving transgender recruits and those seeking to join the military may still be impacted by final guidance that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis sent to the White House last week. An informal poll by Military Times last year found that a majority of readers opposed having transgender service members.
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Nicolas Talbott, 24, is one of several plaintiffs fighting for the chance to serve in the military.
Mattis was directed to provide guidance on whether transgender service members negatively impact readiness, following a series of Tweets and then a memorandum by President Donald Trump last year. Trump has sought to end transgender military service.
Trump is expected to make his final decision on Mattis’ recommendations by March 23.
Tara Copp is the Pentagon Bureau Chief for Military Times and author of the award-winning military nonfiction "The Warbird: Three Heroes. Two Wars. One Story."
The decision isn't yet final, but may come as soon as Friday.
Despite no public proof that Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith ever uttered such an edict, "lower your standards" has become an online rallying cry in recent weeks for those disillusioned with Navy life.
A plea deal let the officer keep his retirement, court records revealed.
The Department of Justice has given the green light to National Guard members on active state duty across the country to join labor unions.
Vice President Kamala Harris told the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s graduating cadets that they are starting their service at a crucial moment for the world.
President Joe Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act to speed production of infant formula and has authorized flights to import supply from overseas.
From food to child care to housing, inflation is hitting junior service members especially hard.
Meet two soldier moms who discuss the sweeping changes benefiting new parents and others on this episode of The Spouse Angle podcast.
The remains of an American airman missing in World War II may be heading home, thanks to a chance discovery of records in flood-threatened archives in Thailand.
The report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction mirrors assertions made by senior Pentagon and military leaders.
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