**Army Directive 2016-35: Expanding Equal Opportunity to Sexual Orientation**
Army Directive 2016-35, titled *”Army Policy on Military Service of transgender Soldiers,”* is a significant step toward promoting fairness, inclusivity, and respect for diversity within the U.S. Army. Issued by the Secretary of the Army in response to broader Department of Defense (DoD) guidelines, the directive was part of a continuous effort to foster an environment where individuals are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their sexual orientation. It also extended certain protections to soldiers who identify as transgender in line with the Army’s commitment to equality. Before this directive, many service members who identified as transgender faced challenges related to recognition, healthcare, and eligibility for service.
The primary aim of the Army Directive 2016-35 was to formalize policies that align with the broader policy changes initiated by DoD regarding open service by transgender individuals. transgender men and women had faced procedural and administrative barriers to serving openly within the ranks, resulting in a lack of clarity around their roles and rights in the military. This directive sought to address those challenges, regulate transition-related care, and ensure that soldiers undergoing gender transition would retain the ability to serve as long as they were otherwise qualified.
Specifically, Army Directive 2016-35 established a framework for managing the administrative and healthcare aspects related to a soldier’s gender transition. It introduced key processes for service members requesting gender transition and provided clear guidelines on updating gender markers in personnel records, including those related to medical care, uniforms, and fitness standards. Additionally, it required commanding officers and relevant medical personnel to collaborate in providing necessary guidance and support to transitioning soldiers while maintaining unit readiness and cohesion.
Another critical component of the directive was its focus on equal opportunity. It affirmed that soldiers would be protected from discrimination, harassment, or abuse based on their gender identity. This provision extended sexual orientation-based protections, which had been mandated after the repeal of the *“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy,* further enabling soldiers from marginalized communities to serve without fear of persecution or prejudice. By amplifying the Army’s existing Equal Opportunity programs, this piece of policy reinforced the commitment to non-discriminatory practices in every aspect of military life.
The directive also represented a broader cultural shift within the Army and other military branches toward acknowledging the diverse makeup of the armed forces. It recognized that military readiness, unit cohesion, and organizational effectiveness are inherently tied to how well every member of the service is included, respected, and treated fairly. In this light, Army Directive 2016-35 was more than just an administrative policy — it served as a clear message that the U.S. Army values the contributions of all its soldiers, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Overall, Army Directive 2016-35 was an important milestone within the U.S. military’s evolution towards inclusivity. It demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to meeting the needs of diverse personnel, enabling a more equitable and supportive environment for all soldiers. It not only ensured that transgender soldiers could serve openly and safely but also underscored the Army’s broader commitment to equal opportunity. By creating clear processes and protections, the directive paved the way for a more inclusive force, one better equipped to leverage the strengths of a diverse population of service members in the defense of the nation.
