US military lifts ban on transgender personnel

Washington (AFP) - Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on Thursday lifted the ban on transgender personnel from openly serving in the US military.

"This is the right thing to do for our people and for the force," Carter said in a statement.

"We're talking about talented Americans who are serving with distinction or who want the opportunity to serve. We can't allow barriers unrelated to a person's qualifications prevent us from recruiting and retaining those who can best accomplish the mission."