Effective immediately, the Coast Guard prohibits the involuntary separation, discharge, and denial of reenlistment or continuation of service, on the basis of gender identity or under circumstances relating to gender identity.
The policy responds to the president’s Jan. 25 executive order, “Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform.” The EO established as the policy of the United States that all transgender individuals who wish to serve in the U.S. military and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination.
Personnel Services Command has determined no members were separated or denied reenlistment or continuation of service on the basis of gender identity under the 2019 policy.
The Coast Guard will be issuing guidance about correcting individuals’ military records as applicable to this EO. The service will also provide supplemental guidance to the Board of Military Correction of Military Records.
The service will also establish an integrated planning team to examine all aspects of the recent executive order, ensure alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) efforts, and coordinate DHS’s report to the president.
Commanding officers and officers in charge (CO/OinCs) who have questions regarding transgender members servicing, should contact the Coast Guard’s Service Central Coordination Center Cell. The team is comprised of personnel policy, legal, and health care experts, and is prepared to provide advice and assistance to help CO/OinCs execute Coast Guard policies and procedures regarding transgender members. The SCCC can be contacted by email at SCCC@uscg.mil.
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