File:United States Navy Transgender And Gender Transition Commanding Officer's Toolkit (IA COToolkitUSNTransgenderAndTransitioningCommandOfficersToolkitV2).pdf

This guide is intended as a supplement to the Transgender Service in the US Military: An Implementation Handbook. The Department of Defense (DoD) handbook addresses many topics to assist in understanding transgender terms, definitions, and related issues which are not fully repeated in this guide. The DoD guide and this guide are not all-encompassing. Should Commanding Officers have questions or discover situations which are not adequately addressed, they are encouraged to contact the USN Service Central Coordination Cell (SCCC) listed at the end of this guide for policy assistance.

Existing standards of conduct shall continue to apply to all Service Members with the continued expectation of treating each other with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

Commanding Officers should use this opportunity to review their local standards of personal and professional conduct to ensure that they provide adequate guidance in relevant areas, apply uniformly to all personnel, and promote an environment free from personal, social or institutional barriers. Place special emphasis during such review on the following areas: berthing, shower and head facilities, dress and appearance, and zero tolerance for harassment and hazing. Standards of conduct must clearly address the responsibility of leaders, supervisors, and subordinate personnel to foster unit cohesion, good order and discipline, respect for authority, and mission accomplishment.

Commanding Officers must promote the dignity and respect of all personnel to include transgender Sailors, prevent discrimination and harassment based on gender identity, and provide guidance to command personnel as required regarding gender transition by military personnel.