Finally: Ash Carter Announces End to Military's Ban on Transgender Recruits

Now, you have nothing to worry about from ISIS, which isn't an "existential threat" and whose monthly slaughters of innocents just shows how feeble and desperate they are, but you should know that if the US military does not begin enlisting transgenders, it would be a bleeding gutwound to the Constitution and our ever-evolving values.

The Pentagon said Thursday it was ending the ban on transgender people being able to serve openly in the U.S. military.

The announcement -- which removes one of the last barriers to military service by any individual -- was made by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who had been studying the issue for almost a year. The decision comes as the military has witnessed major changes in the role of women and the inclusion of gays, lesbians and bisexual service members in recent years.

"The Defense Department and the military need to avail ourselves of all talent possible in order to remain what we are now -- the finest fighting force the world has ever known," Carter said Thursday at the Pentagon.

The big winner? Bradley "Chelsea" Manning, the Rosa Parks of zir generation.

posted by Ace at 04:18 PM

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