Michaela Rehle
The Pentagon has delayed the enlistment of transgender troops in the armed forces by six months in order to conduct a review of whether the move will affect the “readiness or lethality” of troops. Defense Secretary James Mattis announced the decision late Friday, saying in a statement that the Defense Department must evaluate the decision based on how it would affect the military’s ability to defend the nation. “After consulting with the service chiefs and secretaries, I have determined that it is necessary to defer the start of accessions for six months,” he said. Mattis said the review must be completed by Dec. 1, and he stressed that his approval of the postponement “does not presuppose the outcome of the review.” Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter lifted the ban on transgender individuals serving in the armed forces last year, and transgender recruits were meant to be allowed to enlist starting on July 1.