DOD INSTRUCTION 1300.28

IN-SERVICE TRANSITION FOR TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS 

Originating Component: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

Effective: October 1, 2016

Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available on the DoD Issuances Website at 

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.

Cancels: Secretary of Defense Memorandum, “Transgender Service Members,” 

July 28, 2015

Approved by: Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense

Purpose: This issuance:

 Establishes a construct by which transgender Service members may transition gender while serving.

 Enumerates prerequisites and prescribes procedures for changing a Service member’s gender marker 

in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

 Specifies medical treatment provisions for Active Component (AC) and Reserve Component (RC) 

transgender Service members.

 Implements the policies and procedures in Directive-type Memorandum 16-005.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION .............................................................................. 3

1.1. Applicability. .................................................................................................................... 3

1.2. Policy. ............................................................................................................................... 3

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES......................................................................................................... 5

2.1. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)). ........................ 5

2.2. Secretaries of The Military Departments and Commandant, United States Coast Guard 

(USCG). .............................................................................................................................. 5

SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION ................................................................................................... 7

3.1. Special Military Considerations........................................................................................ 7

a. Medical........................................................................................................................... 7

b. Gender Transition in the Military. ................................................................................. 7

c. Continuity of Medical Care............................................................................................ 7

d. Living in Preferred Gender. ........................................................................................... 8

e. DEERS. .......................................................................................................................... 8

f. Military Readiness.......................................................................................................... 8

3.2. Roles and Responsibilities. ............................................................................................... 8

a. Service Member’s Role.................................................................................................. 8

b. Military Medical Provider’s Role. ................................................................................. 8

c. Commander’s Role......................................................................................................... 9

d. Role of the Military Department and the USCG. .......................................................... 9

3.3. Gender Transition Approval Process. ............................................................................. 11

3.4. Additional RC Considerations. ....................................................................................... 12

a. General. ........................................................................................................................ 12

b. Gender transition approach. ......................................................................................... 12

c. Medical treatment plans. .............................................................................................. 12

d. Selected Reserve Drilling Member Participation. ....................................................... 12

e. Delayed Training Program........................................................................................... 13

f. Split Option Training.................................................................................................... 13

3.5. Initial Entry Training and considerations associated with the first term of service........ 13

3.6. Protection Of PII And Protected Health Information. .................................................... 14

3.7. PERSONAL PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS.............................................................. 14

3.8. Assessment And Oversight Of Compliance. .................................................................. 14

GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................... 15

G.1. Acronyms....................................................................................................................... 15

G.2. Definitions...................................................................................................................... 15

Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the purpose of this issuance.

........................................................................................................................................... 15

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 18
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 3

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION

1.1. APPLICABILITY. This issuance applies to OSD, the Military Departments (including the 

Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security,

by agreement with that Department, and in all regards, except as to the requirement to submit 

issuances implementing this issuance to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for 

Personnel and Readiness 30 days in advance of publication in accordance with Paragraphs 2.1c 

and 2.2e), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the 

Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the 

Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD.

1.2. POLICY.

a. DoD and the Military Departments will institute policies to provide Service members a 

process by which, while serving, they may transition gender. These policies are premised on the 

conclusion that open service by transgender persons who are subject to the same standards and 

procedures as other members with regard to their medical fitness for duty, physical fitness, 

uniform and grooming standards, deployability, and retention, is consistent with military service 

and readiness.

b. The Military Departments and Services recognize a Service member’s gender by the 

member’s gender marker in the DEERS. Coincident with that gender marker, the Services 

apply, and the member is responsible to meet, all standards for uniforms and grooming; body 

composition assessment (BCA); physical readiness testing (PRT); Military Personnel Drug 

Abuse Testing Program (MPDATP) participation; and other military standards applied with 

consideration of the member’s gender. As to facilities subject to regulation by the military, the 

Service member will use those berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities associated with the 

member’s gender marker in DEERS.

c. Service members with a diagnosis from a military medical provider indicating that gender 

transition is medically necessary, will be provided medical care and treatment for the diagnosed 

medical condition. Recommendations of a military medical provider will address the severity of 

the Service member’s medical condition and the urgency of any proposed medical treatment. 

Medical advice to commanders will be provided in a manner consistent with processes used for 

other medical conditions that may limit the Service member’s performance of official duties.

d. Any medical care and treatment provided to an individual Service member in the process 

of gender transition will be provided in the same manner as other medical care and treatment. 

Nothing in this issuance will be construed to authorize a commander to deny medically necessary 

treatment to a Service member.

e. Any determination that a transgender Service member is non-deployable at any time will 

be consistent with established Military Department and Service standards, as applied to other 

Service members whose deployability is similarly affected in comparable circumstances 

unrelated to gender transition.
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SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION 4

f. Commanders will assess expected impacts on mission and readiness after consideration of 

the advice of military medical providers and will address such impacts in accordance with this 

issuance. In applying the tools described in this issuance, a commander will not accommodate 

biases against transgender individuals. If a Service member is unable to meet standards or 

requires an exception to policy (ETP) during a period of gender transition, all applicable tools, 

including the tools described in this issuance, will be available to commanders to minimize

impacts to the mission and unit readiness.

g. When the military medical provider determines that a Service member’s gender transition 

is complete, and at a time approved by the commander in consultation with the transgender 

Service member, the member’s gender marker will be changed in DEERS and the Service 

member will be recognized in the preferred gender.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 5

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1. UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READINESS

(USD(P&R)). The USD(P&R):

a. Updates existing DoD issuances, or promulgate new issuances, as appropriate, in 

accordance with the provisions of this issuance.

b. Expeditiously develops and promulgates education and training materials to provide 

relevant, useful information for transgender Service members, commanders, military medical 

providers, and the force.

c. Ensures that the text of proposed revisions to existing Military Department and Service 

regulations, policies, and guidance, and of any proposed new Military Department and Service 

issuance, is consistent with this issuance.

d. Issues guidance to the Military Departments, establishing the prerequisites and procedures 

for changing a Service member’s gender marker in DEERS.

2.2. SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS AND COMMANDANT, 

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (USCG). The Secretaries of the Military Departments 

and the Commandant, USCG:

a. Adhere to all provisions of this issuance.

b. Administer their respective programs, and update existing Military Department 

regulations, policies, and guidance, or promulgate new issuances, as appropriate, in accordance 

with the provisions of this issuance.

c. Establish a Service Central Coordination Cell (SCCC) to provide multi-disciplinary (e.g., 

medical, legal, military personnel management) expert advice and assistance to commanders 

with regard to service by transgender Service members and gender transition in the military and 

to assist commanders in the execution of DoD, Military Department, and Service policies and 

procedures. 

d. Educate their AC and RC forces to ensure appropriate understanding of the policies and 

procedures pertaining to gender transition in the military.

e. Submit to the USD(P&R) the text of any proposed revision to existing Military 

Department and Service regulations, policies, and guidance, and of any proposed new issuance, 

not later than 30 days in advance of the proposed publication date.

f. Ensure the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and personal privacy 

considerations in the implementation of this issuance and Military Department and Service 

regulations, policies, and guidance.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES 6

g. Implement processes for the assessment and oversight of compliance with DoD, Military 

Department, and Service policies and procedures applicable to service by transgender persons, in 

accordance with Paragraph 3.8 of this issuance.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 7

SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION

3.1. SPECIAL MILITARY CONSIDERATIONS. Gender transition while serving in the 

military presents unique challenges associated with addressing the needs of the Service member 

in a manner consistent with military mission and readiness. Where possible, gender transition 

should be conducted such that a Service member would meet all applicable standards and be 

available for duty in the birth gender prior to a change in the member’s gender marker in DEERS 

and would meet all applicable standards and be available for duty in the preferred gender after 

the change in gender marker. Recognizing, however, that every transition is unique, the policies 

and procedures set forth herein provide flexibility to the Military Departments, Services, and 

commanders, in addressing transitions that may or may not follow this construct. These policies 

and procedures are applicable, in whole or in relevant part, to those Service members who intend 

to begin transition, are beginning transition, who already may have started transition, and who 

have completed gender transition and are stable in their preferred gender. 

a. Medical.

(1) In accordance with DoD Instructions (DoDIs) 6025.19 and 1215.13, all Service 

members have a responsibility to maintain their health and fitness, meet individual medical 

readiness requirements, and report to their chains of command any medical (including mental 

health) and health issue that may affect their readiness to deploy or fitness to continue serving in 

an active status. 

(2) Each Service member in the AC or in the Selected Reserve will, as a condition of 

continued participation in military service, report significant health information to their chain of 

command. Service members who have or have had a medical condition that may limit their 

performance of official duties, must consult with a military medical provider concerning their 

diagnosis and proposed treatment, and must notify their commanders. 

(3) As in the case of other health issues, when a Service member receives a diagnosis 

from a military medical provider indicating that gender transition is medically necessary, the

member’s notification to the commander must identify all medically necessary care and 

treatment that is part of the Service member’s medical treatment plan and a projected schedule

for such treatment, including an estimated date for a change in the member’s gender marker in 

DEERS. 

b. Gender Transition in the Military. Gender transition begins when a Service member 

receives a diagnosis from a military medical provider indicating that gender transition is 

medically necessary, and concludes when the Service member’s gender marker in DEERS is 

changed and the member is recognized in the preferred gender. At that point, the Service 

member will be responsible for meeting all applicable military standards in the preferred gender, 

and as to facilities subject to regulation by the military, will use those berthing, bathroom, and 

shower facilities associated with the preferred gender.

c. Continuity of Medical Care. A military medical provider may determine certain medical 

care and treatment to be medically necessary, even after a Service member’s gender marker is 
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SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 8

changed in DEERS (e.g., cross-sex hormone therapy). A gender marker change does not 

preclude such care and treatment. 

d. Living in Preferred Gender. Real Life Experience (RLE) is the phase in the gender 

transition process during which the individual commences living socially in the gender role 

consistent with their preferred gender. Although in civilian life this phase is generally 

categorized by living and working full-time in the preferred gender, consistent application of 

military standards will normally require that RLE occur in an off-duty status and away from the 

Service member’s place of duty, prior to the change of a gender marker in DEERS.

e. DEERS. The Military Departments and Services recognize a Service member’s gender 

by the member’s gender marker in DEERS. Coincident with that gender marker, the Services 

apply, and the member is responsible to meet, all standards for uniforms and grooming; BCA; 

PRT; MPDATP participation; and other military standards applied with consideration of the 

member’s gender. As to facilities subject to regulation by the military, the Service member will 

use those berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities associated with the member’s gender marker 

in DEERS.

f. Military Readiness. Unique to military service, the commander is responsible and 

accountable for the overall readiness of his or her command. The commander is also responsible 

for the collective morale and welfare and good order and discipline of the unit, the command 

climate, and for ensuring that all members of the command are treated with dignity and respect. 

When a commander receives any request from a Service member that entails a period of nonavailability for duty (e.g., necessary medical treatment, ordinary leave, emergency leave, 

temporary duty, other approved absence), the commander must consider the individual need 

associated with the request and the needs of the command, in making a decision on that request. 

3.2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The individual Service member, the military 

medical provider, the commander, and each of the Military Departments have crucial roles and 

responsibilities in the process of gender transition in the military.

a. Service Member’s Role.

(1) Secure a medical diagnosis from a military medical provider.

(2) Notify the commander of a diagnosis indicating that gender transition is medically 

necessary, and identify all medically necessary treatment that is part of the member’s medical 

treatment plan and a projected schedule for such treatment, including an estimated date for a 

change in the member’s gender marker in DEERS, as set forth in Paragraph 3.1.a.

(3) Notify the commander of any change to the medical treatment plan, the projected 

schedule for such treatment, or the estimated date on which the member’s gender marker would 

be changed in DEERS. 

b. Military Medical Provider’s Role.
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SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 9

(1) Establish the member’s medical diagnosis, recommend medically necessary care and 

treatment, and, in consultation with the Service member, develop a medical treatment plan 

associated with the Service member’s gender transition, as set forth in Paragraph 3.1.a, for 

submission to the commander.

(2) In accordance with established military medical practices, advise the commander on

the medical diagnosis applicable to the Service member, including the provider’s assessment of 

the medically necessary care and treatment, the urgency of the proposed care and treatment, the 

likely impact of the care and treatment on the individual’s readiness and deployability, and the 

scope of the human and functional support network needed to support the individual.

(3) In consultation with the Service member, formally advise the commander when the 

Service member’s gender transition is complete, and recommend to the commander a time at 

which the member’s gender marker may be changed in DEERS.

(4) Provide the Service member with medically necessary care and treatment after the 

member’s gender marker has been changed in DEERS.

c. Commander’s Role.

(1) Review a Service member’s request to transition gender. Ensure, as appropriate, a 

transition process that:

(a) Complies with DoD, Military Department, and Service regulations, policies, and 

guidance.

(b) Considers the individual facts and circumstances presented by the Service 

member.

(c) Ensures military readiness by minimizing impacts to the mission (including 

deployment, operational, training, and exercise schedules, and critical skills availability), as well 

as to the morale and welfare, and good order and discipline of the unit.

(d) Is consistent with the medical treatment plan.

(e) Incorporates consideration of other factors, as appropriate.

(2) Coordinate with the military medical provider regarding any medical care or 

treatment provided to the Service member, and any medical issues that arise in the course of a 

Service member’s gender transition.

(3) Consult with the SCCC with regard to service by transgender Service members and 

gender transition in the military, the execution of DoD, Military Department, and Service 

policies and procedures, and assessment of the means and timing of any proposed medical care 

or treatment. 

d. Role of the Military Department and the USCG.
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SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 10

(1) Establish policies and procedures in accordance with this issuance, outlining the 

actions a commander may take to minimize impacts to the mission and ensure continued unit 

readiness in the event that a transitioning individual is unable to meet standards or requires an 

ETP during a period of gender transition. Such policies and procedures may address the means 

and timing of transition, procedures for responding to a request for an ETP prior to the change of 

a Service member’s gender marker in DEERS, appropriate duty statuses, and tools for addressing 

any inability to serve throughout the gender transition process. Any such actions available to the 

commander will consider and balance the needs of the individual and the needs of the command

in a manner comparable to the actions available to the commander in addressing comparable 

Service member circumstances unrelated to gender transition. Such actions may include:

(a) Adjustments to the date on which the Service member’s gender transition, or any 

component of the transition process, will commence.

(b) Advising the Service member of the availability of options for extended leave 

status or participation in other voluntary absence programs during the transition process.

(c) Arrangements for the transfer of the Service member to another organization, 

command, location, or duty status (e.g., Individual Ready Reserve), as appropriate, during the 

transition process.

(d) ETPs associated with changes in the member’s physical appearance and body 

composition during gender transition, such as accommodations in the application of standards for 

uniforms and grooming, BCA, PRT, and MPDATP participation. 

(e) Establishment of, or adjustment to, local policies on the use of berthing, 

bathroom, and shower facilities subject to regulation by the military, during the transition 

process.

(f) Referral for a determination of fitness in the disability evaluation system in 

accordance with DoDI 1332.18.

(g) Other actions, including the initiation of administrative or other proceedings, 

comparable to actions that could be initiated with regard to others whose ability to serve is 

similarly affected for reasons unrelated to gender transition.

(2) Establish policies and procedures, consistent with this issuance, whereby a Service 

member’s gender marker will be changed in DEERS based on a determination by the military 

medical provider that the Service member’s gender transition is complete; receipt of written 

approval from the commander, issued in consultation with the Service member; and production 

by the Service member of documentation indicating gender change. Such documentation is 

limited to:

(a) A certified true copy of a State birth certificate reflecting the Service member’s 

preferred gender;
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 11

(b) A certified true copy of a court order reflecting the Service member’s preferred

gender; or

(c) A United States passport reflecting the member’s preferred gender.

(3) When the Service member’s gender marker in DEERS is changed:

(a) Apply uniform standards, grooming standards, BCA standards, PRT standards, 

MPDATP standards, and other standards applied with consideration of the member’s gender,

applicable to the Service member’s gender as reflected in DEERS.

(b) As to facilities that are subject to regulation by the military, direct the use of 

berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities according to the Service member’s gender marker as 

reflected in DEERS.

3.3. GENDER TRANSITION APPROVAL PROCESS.

a. A Service member on active duty, who receives a diagnosis from a military medical 

provider for which gender transition is medically necessary may, in consultation with the 

military medical provider and at the appropriate time, request that the commander approve: 

(1) The timing of medical treatment associated with gender transition;

(2) An ETP associated with gender transition, consistent with Paragraph 3.2.d, and/or 

(3) A change to the Service member’s gender marker in DEERS.

b. The commander, informed by the recommendations of the military medical provider, the 

SCCC, and others, as appropriate, will respond to the request within a framework that ensures 

readiness by minimizing impacts to the mission (including deployment, operational, training, 

exercise schedules, and critical skills availability), as well as to the morale and welfare and good 

order and discipline of the command.

c. Consistent with applicable law, regulation, and policy, the commander will:

(1) Comply with the provisions of this issuance, and with Military Department and 

Service regulations, policies, and guidance, and consult with the SCCC.

(2) Promptly respond to any request for medical care, as identified by the military 

medical provider, and ensure that such care is provided consistent with applicable regulations.

(3) Respond to any request for medical treatment or an ETP associated with gender 

transition, as soon as practicable, but not later than, 90 days after receiving a request determined 

to be complete in accordance with the provisions of this issuance and Military Department and 

Service regulations, policies, and guidance. The response will be in writing; include notice of 

any actions taken by the commander in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and 

guidance and the provisions of this issuance; and will be provided to both the Service member 
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 12

and their military medical provider. A request that, upon review by the commander, is 

determined to be incomplete, will be returned to the Service member, with written notice of the 

deficiencies identified, as soon as practicable, but not later than 30 days after receipt.

(4) At any time prior to the change of the Service member’s gender marker in DEERS, 

the commander may modify a previously approved approach to, or an ETP associated with,

gender transition. A determination that modification is necessary and appropriate will be made 

in accordance with the procedures, and upon review and consideration of the factors set forth in 

Paragraph 3.2.c of this issuance. Notice of such modification will be provided to the Service 

member under procedures established by the Secretary of the Military Department concerned, 

and may include options as set forth in Paragraph 3.2.d.

(5) The commander will approve, in writing, the change of a Service member’s gender 

marker in DEERS, subsequent to receipt of the recommendation of the military medical provider

that the member’s gender marker be changed and receipt of the requisite documentation from the 

Service member. Upon submission of the commander’s written approval to the appropriate 

personnel servicing activity, the change in the Service member’s gender marker will be entered 

in the database and transmitted to and updated in DEERS, under the authority, direction, and 

control of the Defense Manpower Data Center.

d. As authorized by Military Department and Service regulations, policies, and guidance

implementing this issuance, a Service member may request review by a senior officer in the 

chain of command, of a subordinate commander’s decision with regard to any request under this 

issuance and any subsequent modifications to that decision.

3.4. ADDITIONAL RC CONSIDERATIONS.

a. General. Excepting only those special considerations set forth below, RC personnel are 

subject to all policies and procedures applicable to AC Service members as set forth in this 

issuance and in Military Department and Service regulations, policies, and guidance 

implementing this issuance.

b. Gender transition approach. All RC Service members (except Selected Reserve fulltime support personnel) identifying as transgender individuals, will submit to, and coordinate 

with their chain of command, evidence of a medical evaluation that includes a medical treatment 

plan. Selected Reserve full-time support personnel will follow the gender transition approval 

process set forth in Paragraph 3.3.

c. Medical treatment plans. A medical treatment plan established by a civilian medical 

provider will be subject to review and approval by a military medical provider.

d. Selected Reserve Drilling Member Participation. To the greatest extent possible, 

commanders and Service members will address periods of non-availability for any period of 

military duty, paid or unpaid, during the member’s gender transition with a view to mitigating

unsatisfactory participation. In accordance with DoDI 1215.13, such mitigation strategies may 

include:
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SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 13

(1) Rescheduled training.

(2) Authorized absences.

(3) Alternate training.

e. Delayed Training Program. Delayed Training Program personnel must be advised by 

recruiters and commanders of limitations resulting from being non-duty qualified. As 

appropriate, Service members in the Delayed Training Program may be subject to the provisions 

of Paragraph 3.5 of this issuance.

f. Split Option Training. When authorized by the Military Department concerned, Service 

members who elect to complete basic and specialty training over two non-consecutive periods

may be subject to the provisions of Paragraph 3.5 of this issuance.

3.5. INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING AND CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH 

THE FIRST TERM OF SERVICE.

a. A blanket prohibition on gender transition during a Service member’s first term of service

is not permissible. However, the Department recognizes that the All-Volunteer Force readiness 

model is largely based on those newly accessed into the military being ready and available for

multiple training and deployment cycles during their first term of service. This readiness model 

may be taken into consideration by a commander in evaluating a request for medical care or 

treatment or an ETP associated with gender transition during a Service member’s first term of 

service. Any other facts and circumstances related to an individual Service member that impact

that model will be considered by the commander as set forth in this issuance and implementing 

Military Department and Service regulations, policies, and guidance.

b. The following policies and procedures apply to Service members during the first term of 

service and will be applied to Service members with a diagnosis indicating that gender transition 

is medically necessary in the same manner, and to the same extent, as to Service members with 

other medical conditions that have a comparable impact on the member’s ability to serve:

(1) A Service member is subject to separation in an entry-level status during the period 

of initial training (defined as 180 days per DoDI 1332.14) based on a medical condition that 

impairs the Service member’s ability to complete such training.

(2) An individual participant is subject to separation from the Reserve Officers’ Training 

Corps in accordance with DoDI 1215.08, or from a Service Academy in accordance with 

DoDI 1322.22, based on a medical condition that impairs the individual’s ability to complete 

such training or to access into the Armed Forces, under the same terms and conditions applicable 

to participants in comparable circumstances not related to transgender persons or gender 

transition. As with all cadets or midshipmen who experience a medical condition while in the 

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program or at a Service Academy, each situation is unique and 

will be evaluated based on its individual circumstances; however, the individual will be required 
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SECTION 3: GENDER TRANSITION 14

to meet medical accession standards as a prerequisite to graduation and appointment in the 

Armed Forces.

(3) A Service member is subject to administrative separation for a fraudulent or 

erroneous enlistment or induction when warranted and in accordance with DoDI 1332.14, based 

on any deliberate material misrepresentation, omission, or concealment of a fact, including a 

medical condition, that if known at the time of enlistment, induction, or entry into a period of 

military service, might have resulted in rejection.

(4) If a Service member requests non-urgent medical treatment or an ETP associated 

with gender transition during the first term of service, including during periods of initial entry 

training in excess of 180 days, the commander may give the factors set forth in Paragraph 3.5.a 

significant weight in considering and balancing the individual need associated with the request 

and the needs of the command, in determining when such treatment, or whether such ETP may 

commence in accordance with Paragraph 3.2.d.

3.6. PROTECTION OF PII AND PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION.

a. In accordance with DoDD 5400.11, in cases in which there is a need to collect, use, 

maintain, or disseminate PII in furtherance of this issuance or Military Department and Service 

regulations, policies, or guidance, the Military Departments and the USCG will protect against 

unwarranted invasions of personal privacy and the unauthorized disclosure of such PII. The 

Military Departments and the USCG will maintain such PII so as to protect individual’s rights, 

consistent with federal law, regulation, and policy.

b. Disclosure of protected health information will be consistent with DoD 6025.18-R.

3.7. PERSONAL PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS. A commander may employ reasonable 

accommodations to respect the privacy interests of Service members.

3.8. ASSESSMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF COMPLIANCE.

a. The Secretaries of the Military Departments and the Commandant, USCG, will implement 

processes for the assessment and oversight of compliance with DoD, Military Department, and 

Service policies and procedures applicable to service by transgender persons.

b. Beginning in 2018 and no less frequently than triennially thereafter, Secretaries of the 

Military Departments and the Commandant, USCG, will direct an Inspector General Special 

Inspection of compliance with this issuance and implementing Military Department or USCG

regulations, policies, and guidance. The directing official will review the Report of Inspection 

for purposes of assessing and overseeing compliance; identifying compliance deficiencies, if 

any; timely initiating corrective action, as appropriate; and deriving best practices and lessons 

learned.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

GLOSSARY 15

GLOSSARY

G.1. ACRONYMS.

AC Active Component

BCA body composition assessment

DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

DoDI DoD instruction

ETP exception to policy

MPDATP military personnel drug abuse testing program

PII personally identifiable information

PRT physical readiness testing

RLE real life experience

RC Reserve Component

SCCC Service Central Coordination Cell

USCG United States Coast Guard

USD(P&R) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

G.2. DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the 

purpose of this issuance.

cross-sex hormone therapy. The use of feminizing hormones in an individual assigned male at 

birth based on traditional biological indicators or the use of masculinizing hormones in an 

individual assigned female at birth. A common medical treatment associated with gender 

transition.

gender marker. Data element in DEERS that identifies a Service member’s gender. A Service 

member is expected to adhere to all military standards associated with the member’s gender 

marker in DEERS and use military berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities in accordance with 

the DEERS gender marker.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

GLOSSARY 16

gender transition is complete. A Service member has completed the medical care identified or 

approved by a military medical provider in a documented medical treatment plan as necessary to 

achieve stability in the preferred gender.

gender transition process. Gender transition in the military begins when a Service member 

receives a diagnosis from a military medical provider indicating that the member’s gender 

transition is medically necessary, and concludes when the Service member’s gender marker in 

DEERS is changed and the member is recognized in the preferred gender. 

human and functional support network. Support network for a Service member that may be 

informal (e.g., friends, family, co-workers, social media.) or formal (e.g., medical professionals, 

counselors, clergy).

medically necessary. Those health-care services or supplies necessary to prevent, diagnose, or 

treat an illness, injury, condition, disease, or its symptoms, and that meet accepted standards of 

medicine.

non-urgent medical care. The care required to diagnose and treat problems that are not life or 

limb threatening or that do not require immediate attention.

preferred gender. The gender in which a transgender Service member will be recognized when 

that member’s gender transition is complete and the member’s gender marker in DEERS is 

changed. 

RLE. The phase in the gender transition process during which the individual commences living 

socially in the gender role consistent with their preferred gender. RLE may or may not be 

preceded by the commencement of cross-sex hormone therapy, depending on the medical 

treatment associated with the individual Service member’s gender transition. The RLE phase is 

also a necessary precursor to certain medical procedures, including gender transition surgery. 

RLE generally encompasses dressing in the new gender, as well as using preferred gender 

berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities.

SCCC. Service-level cell of experts created to provide multi-disciplinary (e.g., medical, legal) 

advice and assistance to commanders with regard to service by transgender Service members and 

gender transition in the military.

stable in the preferred gender. Medical care identified or approved by a military medical 

provider in a documented medical treatment plan is complete, no functional limitations or 

complications persist, and the individual is not experiencing clinically significant distress or 

impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Continuing medical 

care, including but not limited to cross-sex hormone therapy, may be required to maintain a state 

of stability.

transgender Service member. A Service member who has received a medical diagnosis 

indicating that gender transition is medically necessary, including any Service member who

intends to begin transition, is undergoing transition, or has completed transition and is stable in 

the preferred gender. 
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

GLOSSARY 17

transition. Period of time when individuals change from the gender role associated with their 

sex assigned at birth to a different gender role. For many people, this involves learning how to 

live socially in another gender role; for others this means finding a gender role and expression 

that are most comfortable for them. Transition may or may not include feminization or 

masculinization of the body through cross-sex hormone therapy or other medical procedures. 

The nature and duration of transition are variable and individualized. 

urgent medical care. The care needed to diagnose and treat serious or acute medical conditions 

that pose no immediate threat to life and health, but require medical attention within 24 hours.
DoDI 1300.28, June 30, 2016

REFERENCES 18

REFERENCES

Directive-type Memorandum 16-005, “Military Service of Transgender Service Members,”

July 1, 2016

DoD 6025.18-R, “DoD Health Information Privacy Regulation,” January 24, 2003

DoD Directive 5400.11, “DoD Privacy Program,” October 29, 2014

DoD Instruction 1215.08, “Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Programs,” 

June 26, 2006

DoD Instruction 1215.13, “Ready Reserve Member Participation Policy,” May 5, 2015

DoD Instruction 1322.22, “Service Academies,” September 24, 2015

DoD Instruction 1332.14, “Enlisted Administrative Separations,” January 27, 2014, as amended

DoD Instruction 1332.18, “Disability Evaluation System (DES),” August 5, 2014

DoD Instruction 6025.19, “Individual Medical Readiness (IMR),” June 9. 2014