The Family Research Council (FRC) released a statement Monday urging the Pentagon to focus on military readiness and not transgender policy.
The FRC urged the Pentagon to maintain their long-standing policy that excludes individuals that identify as transgendered or as the American Psychological Association calls "gender dysphoria."
FRC’s executive vice president, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Boykin said, "Considering the abysmal condition of our military and a decline in readiness, why is this a top priority for the Obama administration? Before changing any policy, the impact on military readiness has to be the first consideration. The Pentagon must answer whether this proposed policy makes our military more capable of performing its mission. The answer is a very clear and resounding no."
Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Monday that the United States would reverse their policy that excluded transgender individuals.
Secretary Carter said acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Brad Carson would lead the change in policy.
With Carson in charge, the civilian sector of the Pentagon will oversee this new policy.