Documents reveal US policy leaves gender diverse Australian sailors barred from submarines despite Aukus deal
US rules apply during training
An internal Defence briefing released under freedom of information laws says Australian Defence Force policy on equality and inclusion remains unchanged, but US government policy differs. It states that ADF personnel on duty in the US, including those in training, must comply with US policy.
The policy stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January 2025, during the first week of his second presidential term. The order banned transgender service personnel and described gender-diverse people as unfit to serve.
Recruitment and alternative pathways
Gender-diverse recruits have been prevented from starting careers in the nuclear submarine program because they would not be safe training on US submarines. Australia does not have its own nuclear submarine fleet, and hundreds of Australian sailors and officers train on US boats and at US bases.
Aukus training challenge
Under the Aukus deal, Australia proposes to buy three Virginia-class nuclear submarines from the US, beginning in 2032. In preparation, Australian sailors are training aboard US Virginia-class submarines and at US bases, while US-flagged nuclear submarines are porting in Australia.
Key points
- US policy requires Australian personnel training in the country to follow its rules.
- Gender-diverse recruits have been kept from starting careers in the nuclear submarine program.
- Australia plans to buy three Virginia-class submarines from the US beginning in 2032.
- The Defence Department did not say how many personnel were affected.