The Air Force has elevated decision authority
for involuntary separation for transgendered enlisted airmen to the director of
the Air Force Review Boards Agency, according to a June 4
release.
The move does not change the policy but is meant to ensure the existing policy
is consistently applied, said Daniel Sitterly, principal deputy assistant
secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs. “Neither gender dysphoria
or self-identification as transgender is an automatic circumstance that
generates involuntary separation,” states the release. “A recommendation for
discharge … must be supported by a report of evaluation by a psychiatrist or
PhD-level clinical psychologist.” In addition, the commander also must
“determine that the condition interferes with duty requirements, including
potential deployment, or duty performance,” states the release. The move
follows a similar one implemented by the Army in March. The
New York Times also on June 4
released
a documentary featuring SrA. Logan Ireland, who joined the Air Force as a
woman but has since transitioned to male, and his fiance Army SSgt. Loeri
Harrison, who also is transgendered. Both could face involuntary separation for
coming out. The repeal of the Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell policy only applied to gay and lesbian service members.