Hagel said:

I do think it continually should be reviewed. I’m open to that. I’m open to those assessments, because – again, I go back to the bottom line – every qualified American who wants to serve our country should have an opportunity if they fit the qualifications and can do it.

HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy said: "A review of the thirty-year-old Pentagon medical regulations is necessary and timely.  The fundamental principle that every employer should use to evaluate their personnel is ability and job performance--and this principle particularly applies to our nation's Armed Forces.  It makes no sense to exclude qualified transgender service members, and we are pleased Secretary Hagel endorses a review. HRC looks forward to additional details about the next steps and to working with the Department of Defense and coalition partners to ensure changes to these harmful regulations."