Mick

Outrageous because this reeks of discrimination?

There is plenty of conditions and physical attributes which prevent someone from joining the army and yes, it's a form of discrimination but not necessarily unlawful discrimination.

Over the next 10 years, military experts in the US have said military spending on transgender operations and subsequent follow up long term medical treatment and medication will cost in excess over a billion dollars. Is this a reasonable cost for a institution that it's sole purpose to exist, is to protect and defend the US? (And let's not forget it's allies around the world).

Also, you have to question the fairness in a transgendic person who can get Military funding to have their bits surgically removed, yet a soldier with cancer is denied funds for cancer drugs and also very likely dismissed from the army.

Obama deliberately changed this policy at the 11th hour just before leaving office, because it would be the Trump Administration that would have to deal with it.