US military lifts ban on transgender members of armed forces

The US military is ending its ban on transgendered soldiers serving openly in the armed forces.

Defence Secretary Ash Carter said that, effective immediately, transgender US service members would be able to serve openly and could not be discharged simply on the basis of their gender identity.

Transgender individuals will be allowed to enlist, as long as they meet the required standards and have been stable in their identified gender for 18 months.

Mr Carter laid out a year-long implementation plan, saying that "Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so".

The announcement comes despite concerns from senior military leaders that the department is moving too fast and that more time is needed to work through the changes.

But Mr Carter said he discussed the plans extensively with his military leaders, and that the services supported the timetable.

Last July, Mr Carter said he intended to rescind the ban, calling it outdated.

The US defence secretary has long argued that the military must be more inclusive to bring in the best and brightest.