First gender neutral army cadet recruited to Australian Defence Force

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has just recruited its first gender non-binary cadet.

The Australian Government introduced a ‘gender X’ category for public service employees in 2013 for people who don’t identify as male or female.

‘People who fall into this ­category may use a variety of terms to self-identify,’ the government guidelines state.

‘Gender is part of a person’s personal and social identity. It ­refers to the way a person feels, presents and is recognised within the community.’

The Australian newspaper reported a cadet was recently moved to a mixed-gender block at the training barracks. They are referred to as ‘cadet’ or by their surname rather than gendered pronouns.

Defence currently has personnel who have identified as gender X. Due to privacy, ­Defence will not comment on ­individuals,’ an ADF spokesman told The Australian.

‘The Defence of our nation is our first priority and we will examine anything that arises that may impact on our ability to achieve that.’

A Retired Major General said the military should not make judgements about a person’s gender if they are able to serve in the ADF.

‘Society has made the choice that there are more than two sexes, not the military. It’s the military’s job to get-on and do what society has decided,’ said Retired Major General Jim Molan.

‘If any gender can do a job, they should be welcomed. And we need to trust the leadership of the Defence Force Academy to administer the scheme logically and fairly and to look after a colleague.’

Guide to transitioning

In May this year, the Australian Air Force Cadets…

Read full story from Source: First gender neutral army cadet recruited to Australian Defence Force