People who are transgender in this country have the right to serve and defend the United States, just as any other citizen. If they receive the benefits and privileges provided by the USA, they should have the ability to give something back to the nation.
The American Medical Association maintains that there is no medical reason a transgender person should not be able to serve.
Several countries allow transgender individuals to serve openly as the gender they identify as, and no drastic issues have arisen from their service.
The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" did not change the ban on transgender individuals. They can still be discharged for being transgender.
As a trans man whose life goal is to serve his country, I hope we can all agree I should be allowed to do so.