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The Pentagon confirmed Monday the first transgender recruit has signed up for military service, despite the White House calling for a ban against such persons from serving in the armed forces.
The recruit signed a service contract on Friday after meeting a battery of physical, psychological and medical requirements for enlistment.
Defense Department spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning told reporters Monday that Defense Secretary James Mattis’ recommendations on whether to allow transgender troops to serve was under review at the White House.
Col. Manning declined to divulge any details about the recommendations or conversations between Mr. Mattis and other officials on the issue, noting the confidentiality of such information. Meanwhile, the White House is expected to release its official policy on transgender troops on March 23.
Supporters of banning transgender personnel arguing that the military has repeatedly been used to advance progressive social engineering efforts.
Opponents of a ban say excluding transgender troops violates their civil rights.
