I wasn't sure if I should write about this, but I think I have a few words to say about President Donald Trump's ban on Transgender individuals from serving in the military. I'm not going to get into politics or what's right/what's wrong or anything. I'm going to be objective and this is my view. After all, I took an oath and the President is my commander in chief.
As a service member, I really do not care if you're Transgender, LGBTQ+ or what have you (no disrespect to others). There is one thing I ask from you when you enlist or commission in the military - do your job to the best of your ability and do it well. If you're a female in the infantry and combat arms, I have all the respect for you.
I will treat you just as I treat any soldier, sailor, airmen, marine...with the respect that you deserve. I hope you know what you've signed up for, I hope you can keep up with the standards and do your job correctly and efficiently. Whether you're a male or a female you are an asset to the United States Armed Forces and I would hate to see any service member become a liability.
Pressing on the issue, I guess one of the biggest complaints is that a Transgender female showering and sleeping in the barracks or using hygiene facilities with females, and vice versa. I get it, it might not feel right, but from a male, I could care less if a Transgender male showered next to me personally.
I’m an objective person, goal orientated. I don’t care if you're black, white, LGBTQ+, Trans or have a broken arm; if you can do your job and do it efficiently to the point you help the entire team, you're worthy of being part of it. So personally, if this were my decision it would have never been an issue. Instead of objectifying a group of people, the problem lies within the individual service member, those that are unmotivated and a liability to the armed forces.
When you dawn on that uniform and take the oath, everyone should be treated with the same respect and dignity, until proven otherwise. I’m glad to hear that Pentagon's Gen. Joe Dunford saying the same. So far, this issue has just been talked about and no actions have been taken.
