Military ?

[Mr.Dolittle]

I was wondering if anyone has been in any branch of the military before they transitioned?
My questions are mostly, what will happen with your benefits? Do you still get everything you would had you stayed the same sex you were when you served? Do you lose it all to be who you know you are or do they just turn a cheek and do what they should anyways?
I am curious because I am currently thinking of joining the military but why bother if they will take away the honor because I changed myself.
Any help would be very appreciated.

[kyril]

I was in the Navy.

If you serve your term and get an honorable discharge before transitioning, your benefits are safe. You'll have to be sure to keep them updated on your name, and there's going to be a process to go through for changing your gender in their records, but there are no rules against transitioning after you get out, and you keep everything you earned.

I would caution you not to join after becoming aware that you're trans unless you have very strong reasons to believe that you are stable and able to function as female in a rigid, stressful environment where you're constantly reminded of your gender in ways that are very likely to trigger dysphoria (close living quarters with women, segregated from your male coworkers, being called a "female" on a regular basis, fairly rampant sexism, and being held to different physical standards and standards of appearance). If you have a gender crisis while in the military, you *must not* seek help or confess your feelings to *anyone* connected with the military, including but not limited to military psychologists, chaplains, and lawyers. If you do, it will be reported, and you will be discharged and probably lose your benefits.

[Jigsaw]

I just retired from the Navy a few months ago and like Kyril said, you have to live a life of a loner.  There are some things you can do while in the military to prepare for your transition such as name change and hysterectomy surgery.  I did not have the surgery, but did do the name change...twice.   There is a way to get the therepy, but I don't know the exact details of it.  I have a friend who is having it done and it's not through a military councilor.

The environment you deal with depends on many factors such as your job, where you are stationed and ratio of men to women.  Not every command or location is the same!!!!  I very rarely had to deal with the whole "female" things... I did my job just like everybody else and treated everybody with respect.  That by itself goes a long ways.  Just carry your weight, ya know. There is also very strict rules for sexual harassment and don't ask, don't tell being repealed next month it makes life a lot easier.

Like Kyril said, you can't say you are trans, but once you have the opportunity to live on your own or have a private room you can relax and be your own person.  The branch you join will also dictate your life as some branches are easier to deal with then others....some are more physical then others, some are very strict compared to others.   There are a ton of factors.

I can't speak about all the benefits of being a veteran, but I can say that being trans does not affect my retirement check, my health care, dental, etc. and the VA does not discriminate against trans folks.  If they do, they will be setting themselves up for law suits.  So far everything except for my top surgery has been paid for and being a retired vet. my insurance is super cheap.  But thats a perk of being a 20-year vet.

It really boils down to you as a person, your threshold and what branch/job you picked.

[Mr.Dolittle]

Thank you for the info it already helps.
I am thinking guards,one weekend a month sort of thing,not to say it wont be hard but maybe better so I am not full time with all the pressures that come from that?
I don't know,right now I want to serve my country(something I have always wanted) but If I join now I have to wait 8 years to change myself.
But I'm also not ready to change now,it is just not time yet,for many many factors.
I know this is all stuff I need to decide on my own, I just thought if I knew some facts from people who have lived and are living this it would really help me,which is has,thank you again btw.

[kyril]

You don't have to sign up for 8 years (unless the Guard requires that? not sure.)

All terms of service are technically 8 years, but most involve a period of active service and a period of inactive reserve status. I don't know what the legal ramifications are of transitioning while on inactive reserve status, but I know that I have my discharge and it says 'honorable' and I'm getting my benefits. I don't think it gets revised if you become medically disqualified, which is what transitioning is.

[Jigsaw]

Curious...if you join now you have to wait 8 years?  Assuming you mean inactive reserves?  If so, inactive reserves are in my opinion, nothing you should have to worry about.  As long as we have a volunteer force and no problems with recruiting, I don't see you ever needing to be recalled.  I have never heard of anybody even having to be recalled.

If you do the reserve thing check out your options since all branches do have reserves.  Some get called to active duty more then others.  Not sure about all branches, but the Navy as far as I know still offers a Flex-reserve option where you can pick how many days you are serving...so you can go as often as full time or just the 1 weekend/2 week options.  Just want to make sure you get what is really best for what you feel is right.

[SandraJane]

Mr. Dolittle, although I am an MTF, I spent 8 years on active duty in the...NAVY! I agree whole heartedly with Kyril and Jigsaw. With Don't Ask, Don't Tell being repealed soon it does change things. I "reupped" when I started to come out, and as careful as you might be, you're living in very close quarters with others and people notice things. How the repeal will affect "Trans Folk", don't know, was surprised that other other countries do allow us to serve (Canada, UK).

As for the VA, I have read that they do provide healthcare services for MTF Vets, and even have put out policy on this matter. The Transgender Clinics of the VA appear to be camouflaged inside of Women's Services.

Thanks

[Mr.Dolittle]

This is why I said eights years.....   Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
I am willing to look into other branches not just the guards but this is what they say about service.
My confusion also is in the IRR,is is safe to start then or must I wait the whole 8 years.
I can totally wait three years that is no problem for me,but 5 years of nothing may really suck.
Thank you again for the help.

[SandraJane]

Why not wait a little while, say 6 mo. to a 1yr and see how things pan out after DADT is repealed. Who knows?

[Nygeel]

The DADT repeal does not help trans people in the military at all (as a heads up).

[Devlyn]

Thanks to all who served, and thanks to you, Mr Dolittle, for wanting to serve. Hugs, Tracey

[Mr.Dolittle]

I will continue to think on this and talk more with my amazing girlfriend and see where we end up.
Thank you all for helping me in my time of confusion,it means so much.
Also Thank you to those who have served,I have great respect for you and hope nothing but the best for you.

[wheat thins are delicious]

The DADT repeal does not help trans people in the military at all (as a heads up).

This. 

Though they may be talking about you will be ok if others see you with a woman and thinking you are a "lesbian"

[Dani0621]

This is why I said eights years.....   Your total enlistment period will be eight years, but you can serve as little as three or six years, and spend the remainder in IRR (Individual Ready Reserve).
I am willing to look into other branches not just the guards but this is what they say about service.
My confusion also is in the IRR,is is safe to start then or must I wait the whole 8 years.
I can totally wait three years that is no problem for me,but 5 years of nothing may really suck.
Thank you again for the help.

While in the IRR, you are typically as good as out of the military.  However, there is always a possibility, and not an unheard of one either, that you may get recalled, and the options you have at that point will vary based on what you're willing to do and what your command is willing to do.  Some may quietly end your contract early, but you have to keep in mind that they would be within their rights to pursue you for a breach of contract.

That's my understanding from my time in the military, fast approaching my own IRR time.  If you want more concrete legal advice,you might consider contacting the Servicemember's Legal Defense Network.

Hope that helps.