Transgender people are allowed to serve in the military in the United States

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced the lifting of the ban on military service for openly transgender people.

Carter emphasized that only the qualifications of a person are important for service, and there should be no other kind of barriers.

In order to completely switch to the new rules, the units of the US armed forces have a year. By October, the Ministry of Defense will update the necessary rules and instructions, including approving the rules related to gender reassignment for military personnel. By the same date, all units must begin providing appropriate medical care to transgender people, according to NBC News.

People with gender dysphoria and those who have undergone medical sex reassignment will only be allowed to serve if a doctor confirms that there has been no change in their condition for 18 months, writes . Military Times

According to The New York Times, the lifting of the ban means that transgender people serving in the US military will no longer need to hide their identity under threat of dismissal.

• US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced his intention to lift the ban on transgender service last year, calling it "obsolete." On June 25, Defense Ministry sources said that the lifting of the ban would be officially announced in July.
• In 2011, the US government allowed open gays, lesbians and bisexuals to serve in the military.