Military

[lonewolfcorey5]

If this isn't the right place to post this please let me know and i'll move it....
I've always wanted to be a part but couldn't due to the fact that i'm trans, I was wondering about any news to do with the army to join if you're trans. I've heard that they can't dismiss you just for being trans but are you able to join if you're openly trans and if so how does it work. I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life and it always upset me that I couldn't follow what I wanted to do in the first place and part of me still hopes one day I can join. I'm a 22 year old transman.

[Dena]

There has been a fair amount of posting on it that an advanced search on military might turn up. I would suggest setting the search for newest first. To the best of my knowledge the military is still working on the procedures so it could be months before the policy is announced.

[TechGirl]

Yes,  military is taking its time. They are not "officially" treating service members until October 1st.  Plan is to allow new trans recruits in around next July who have been stable for a bit.

Details are around here somewhere, will post the link to the thread  if I can find it.

[TechGirl]

Here's one of the threads where we discussed it at detail, should be helpful.

Let me know if you have any questions.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=212559.0

[Deborah]

Although the rules are still developing it looks like they will require some evidence of your stability if you join as trans.  So if you are not already, you should get a therapist and get that stability documented in case it's needed.

The other thing you should do, and this applies to everyone, is to start getting into really good physical condition.  It will make things a whole lot easier once you join.

[~Carmen]

I would say you would be able to join

[becky.rw]

Don't put it off too long; age will work against you pretty quickly.  This isn't the '50s era Army; you have to compete to get in, and you have to compete to stay in.

[lonewolfcorey5]

Thank you for the responses, I currently have a personal trainer and have been training for 2 months now to loose weight and build strength. The evidence of stability would be something like a letter from a therapist right. I used to be very depressed and was treated for that but its been years since I've taken any medication and my dr I only have to see twice a year now because I've been doing good and is no longer depressed.

[soon2b]

Don't put it off too long; age will work against you pretty quickly.  This isn't the '50s era Army; you have to compete to get in, and you have to compete to stay in.

That is a fact. I would highly recommend talking to a subject matter expert. That would be a recruiter for every branch of service that you are interested in. Would not hurt to talk to all of them maybe one branch has a job that you never thought about that would fit you. One piece of unsolicited advice, please only serve your country if that is the reason that you want to join. Other reasons like college money etc are not a great motivator during difficult times, so basically IMHO having a high sense of patriotism will contribute to your success and help you through hard times.

Led by love of country

Sara

[Devlyn]

And now, a shameless plug for Roll Call, our veterans thread. 

Hugs, Devlyn

[roseyfox]

I am signing up sometime next year, from the rule i read you have at least have had to been transitioning for one year. Stable in mind and have any surgery you want done before you go in or get them after you leave. This does not apply to trans member already in service, they will receive any and all surgery's while still serving if they want to and will get a certain amount of leave time for it.

[lonewolfcorey5]

I was also wondering since they're going to be allowing new transgender recruits in, how is the showering going to be for the people who haven't fully transitioned during training. Also since im on t every week will I be allowed to take that with me and do my shots weekly while in training. My concern is I haven't had any surgery so im definitely not going to be comfortable showering with either the men or women.

[roseyfox]

Thing is military is not going to be for comfort i can care less if they put me in with girls or guys because the only surgery i will by them is voice. But even now i can pass and use the men restroom still. I have guys till me all the time i am in the wrong facility then i speak woth my lower voice and they just are stun lol.

[Devlyn]

I was also wondering since they're going to be allowing new transgender recruits in, how is the showering going to be for the people who haven't fully transitioned during training. Also since im on t every week will I be allowed to take that with me and do my shots weekly while in training. My concern is I haven't had any surgery so im definitely not going to be comfortable showering with either the men or women.

Infrequent and cold, just like every recruit! 

I served in the 1980's and basic training at Fort Bliss had single stall showers. My duty stations all featured communal showers grouped by male/female.

Hugs, Devlyn

[lonewolfcorey5]

Thing is military is not going to be for comfort i can care less if they put me in with girls or guys because the only surgery i will by them is voice. But even now i can pass and use the men restroom still. I have guys till me all the time i am in the wrong facility then i speak woth my lower voice and they just are stun lol.

I know its not going to be a comfortable experience but that's my only thing im really worried about, do to my safety and I just don't want it making anybody else uncomfortable either. I'm hoping they have single stalls or something. lol maybe I can sink shower in a bathroom if they don't have single stalls

[Deborah]

If you join the Army or Marines then you may be using the bathroom au naturale in the woods.

No room for modesty there although you soon learn that nobody is really interested in watching somebody do that anyway.

[BeverlyAnn]

Navy boot we had communal showers, central columns with several shower heads but that was Orlando.  I don't know about Great Lakes or San Diego.  USS JFK had separate shower stalls but depending on the size of the ship it may be different.  Shore stations with newer barracks probably will have separate stalls.

[Deborah]

What is it in the Army that you want to do?   It's pretty much a complete society unto itself so depending on your job, life can vary greatly.

[lonewolfcorey5]

What is it in the Army that you want to do?   It's pretty much a complete society unto itself so depending on your job, life can vary greatly.

I'm considering joining the National Guard, I've been researching and honestly I wasn't sure what I wanted to do yet but I really want to do something. I think the National Guard will be the best fit for me, I am still researching things to do though.