Pentagon has confirmed that leaders from the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force are seeking to move the deadline for the transgender policy implementation in the U.S. military. The request came just a few days before the July 1 time limit of Defense Secretary Ash Carter. Military chief from each department has already submitted their appeals to Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, who will create a recommendation before Secretary James Mattis can give his final decision.
LGBT military groups react on possible delay
The announcement was immediately denounced by several groups which argued that the delay will only cause "redundant evidence" on the contributions of transgender people who are already serving the U.S.
Military since Carter ended the transgender military ban last year.
An AP report cited three of the four military chiefs reportedly requested for the delay. Leaders from the Army and Air Force are seeking for a two-year postponement, while the Navy wants a one-year delay for the implementation of transgender policy.
These military services are hoping that the delay will give them enough time to address the problems that the current transgender military troops are experiencing. Their explanation, however, did not please some LGBT military groups which insisted that these military chiefs are bringing up old issues without providing new data that would support them.
Ashley Broadway-Mack reiterated the need for the U.S.
Military to increase its troops as cited by Mattis in a previous statement. "Any qualified American who is willing and able to serve should have the opportunity to join the ranks, regardless of their gender identity," the AMPA president contested.
He even asked Secretary Mattis to immediately implement the recruitment policy to allow transgender people to enlist in the military.
Retired generals want no more delays
Three retired generals are putting the pressure on the Defense Secretary to finally provide his final decision on the scheduled deadline. In a statement, retired Army Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, retired Army Major Gen. Gale Pollock, and retired Army Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender asked Mattis to come up with a decision based on the evidence that would bring the best for the U.S.
Military.
“If he is serious about that commitment, he will maintain existing policy and make clear that there will be no return to the days of forcing capable applicants to lie in order to serve their country," the former generals told The Hill.
