R 171932Z FEB 21
MARADMIN 077/21
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/MILITARY SERVICE BY TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA INTERIM GUIDANCE//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/MEMO/29JAN21//
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/MEMO/28JAN21//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/DOD/4SEP20//
NARR/REF A IS SECDEF MEMORANDUM MILITARY SERVICE BY TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA. REF B IS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS MEMO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDER ENABLING ALL QUALIFIED AMERICANS TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY IN UNIFORM. REF C IS DODI 1300.28 MILITARY SERVICE BY TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA.//
POC/W.J. MCWATERS/CIV/MPO/TEL: (703) 784-9386//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. To provide interim guidance on Department of Defense (DoD) policy changes regarding military service by transgender persons and persons with gender dysphoria.
2. On 25 January 2021, the Commander in Chief issued an Executive Order establishing policy that all transgender individuals who wish to serve and can meet appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination. Further, it directed the Secretary of Defense to take all necessary steps to implement the Executive Order. Reference (a) provides initial guidance from DoD and indicates additional implementing guidance will follow.
3. Effective immediately, any adverse personnel actions initiated under reference (c) shall be held in abeyance unless personally approved by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)). Adverse personnel actions include all administrative separations, denial of accession or reenlistment, disability evaluation, or petition to serve in one’s preferred gender as a member of the “exempt population” as defined in reference (c). This approval requirement supersedes any contrary approval authority provided in reference (c).
4. Per reference (b), Department of Navy policy states that administrative separations, denials of reenlistment or continuation of service for Marines with a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria, who identify as transgender, or have taken steps to externalize the condition must be forwarded to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN(M&RA)) for decision, regardless of the basis or reason for separation (e.g., a separate medical condition, performance, pattern of misconduct, etc). Punitive discharges and dismissals awarded by courts-martial are not affected by this policy.
5. Reference (c) provides the process for Service members to transition gender while serving. Subject to additional implementing guidance, exception to policy (ETP) requests to waive uniform and grooming standards while transitioning genders will continue to be submitted to the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs for decision.
6. The Marine Corps Service Central Coordination Cell (SCCC) is available for assistance and information at USMC.SCCC@usmc.mil or (703) 784-9386 (DSN 278).
7. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
8. Release authorized by BGen J. G. Woodworth, Division Director, Manpower Plans and Policy.//