U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt disclosed during a Department of Defense (DoD) LGBTQ+ PRIDE event that she might prioritize access to “gender-affirming care” over job qualifications in officer assignments. Burt’s statement came in response to a recent wave of laws in multiple states banning transgender surgeries for minors, with some even restricting puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. She said these legislative developments could potentially put service members and their families at risk, negatively impacting the force’s readiness.
In her statement, Burt emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for her troops. She said, “Transformational cultural change requires leadership from the top, and we do not have time to wait.” She also mentioned that she would consider the personal circumstances and family situations of potential candidates alongside their job performance and relevant experience. If a potential officer doesn’t feel safe or their family could be denied critical healthcare due to state laws, Burt suggested she would likely consider other candidates, even if they are less qualified.
This announcement sparked criticism from Space Force veteran Lt. Col Matt Lohmeier, who was dismissed from his command after he publicly claimed that Marxism was infiltrating the U.S. military. Lohmeier responded to Burt’s statement on Twitter, accusing her of engaging in political partisanship while acting in an official capacity, the same action he was fired for.
Burt’s comments raise concerns about whether the U.S. Space Force and the broader Defense Department are prioritizing politics over their duty, which could potentially undermine force readiness. Critics argue that this focus on providing transgender surgeries and hormones at a given duty station may detract from the individual’s fitness for their specific role within the military.
Her statement also seems to challenge the U.S. Army’s “Soldier’s Creed,” which asserts, “I will always place the mission first.” Critics of Burt’s stance suggest she appears to be prioritizing catering to the LGBTQ+ community over the completion of military missions.