Secretary of Defense James Mattis on Monday released interim guidance regarding the Pentagon’s new policy for transgender troops. At the outset, the Pentagon declares: “First and foremost, we will continue to treat every Service member with dignity and respect.” The policy will be in effect until at least Feb. 21, 2018, when the Pentagon is expected to provide guidance to President Trump on the implementation of his transgender ban. In the meantime, the military will no longer accept new transgender individuals into its ranks, though current service members will be allowed to re-enlist, continue their service, and receive treatment for gender dysphoria. The guidelines, however, also provide a deadline for new sex-reassignment surgeries.
