Washington: The Pentagon is set to lift its ban on transgender troops within the coming weeks, US media reported Friday.
The move would be another major milestone for America's vast military, which up until five years ago still banned gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
USA Today said the transgender announcement is expected July 1 and the plan would require each branch of the military to phase in the new policy over a 12-month period.
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook declined to confirm reports, but said a decision was due "soon."
Currently, Pentagon rules allow transgender troops to be discharged from the military.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter last year ordered all military roles -- including combat positions -- to be opened to women.
Maryland Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer welcomed the news.
"The reversal of the ban is a major step forward in the effort to secure the full rights and equality of LGBT people in our country, and it will strengthen our military by ensuring that talented, dedicated candidates are not turned away or discouraged from serving because of their gender identity," he said in a statement.
The US military has about 1.3 service members.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The move would be another major milestone for America's vast military, which up until five years ago still banned gay troops from openly discussing their sexuality under a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
USA Today said the transgender announcement is expected July 1 and the plan would require each branch of the military to phase in the new policy over a 12-month period.
Currently, Pentagon rules allow transgender troops to be discharged from the military.
Advertisement
Maryland Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer welcomed the news.
Advertisement
The US military has about 1.3 service members.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Amazon Seals $1.3 Billion Deal To Build Top-Secret Cloud For Australian Military Explosives Found In Jordan Residential Apartment Near Military Airport Used By US Planes 6 Houthi Drones Destroyed In Red Sea Off Yemen: US Military Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Recalled To Academy, Training Put On Hold What Trump Rally Shooter Did On Last Day Of His Life Four In Five Americans Fear Country Is Sliding Into Chaos: Polls Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 2.39 Lakh Admission Deadline Extended For EWS And Special Needs Children Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.