Washington (CNN) The Pentagon said Thursday it was ending the ban on transgender people being able to serve openly in the U.S. military. Carter noted the Pentagon received input from transgender service members and experts and medical professionals outside the department. Incoming service members must be "stable" in gender identity for 18 months before joining the military. Transgender service members will also receive the same medical coverage and protocols as any other military member -- receiving all medical care that their doctors deem necessary -- according to Carter. He also said at least 18 other countries allow transgender members to serve openly.

Source: CNN June 30, 2016 17:48 UTC