Hi everyone, this is my first post here.
Well, I'm joining up with the Army, and I want to still look as feminine as possible, while still being in excellent shape and still able to kick serious butt.
My question is, can I still maintain a feminine form in the Army? Or will I just naturally become more masculine as the days go on?
How can I maintain a feminine styled body while in Infantry? Is there no hope?
Thanks for your answers in advance!!
Er...good luck with that.
:icon_blink:
Never been in the armed forces myself but I have had a few close freinds that were. I would guess that if you are not on HRT or don't stay on it while while in, you are going to have a difficult time with you goal. The workouts are rigiorous/brutal and they are designed to make you strong/bulk you up. One of my friend's was a cisgendered female who went to the Navel acadamy, when she came out, she was stronger than any cisgendered guy I knew.
Do ALOT of yoga and martial arts and stretching to keep your body lean and toned. When you do have to do weights and strength training, go for ultra-heavy - 1 rep sets in collections of 5 with like 5 or so minutes rest inbetween, maybe once a week or so. That pushes you more into the muscular neuroproprioception area. You get bigger because of total load - your muscles are damaged by repetition and repair themselves when you rest inbetween. By keeping your load very low, but the intensity high, you increase how efficiently your muscle fibres are recruited without actually damaging them much. Going a few rounds on a HEAVY punching bag once a week is also a very good way to develop strength and power without bulking up.
If anybody questions your training methods, simply say that you've been getting into martial arts, and that your sensei said that this was the best way to train to stay light and supple while developing speed and power.
Really though, the best you can hope for is to stay lean while you are training.
Oh, and read up on a technique called dynamic tension. Also, google Pavel Tsatsouline. He's a trainer formerly from Russia with a martial arts and special forces background. He specialises in fitness and strength development for martial artists, and his books are well worth a read. PM me if you need more info or advice.
~Simone.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc24.deviantart.com%2Ffs20%2Ff%2F2007%2F231%2Fa%2Fe%2FExtreme_OMG_by_NewYorkKid618.gif&hash=2e4a358bd43ea6e5d400a46b69d94d6fea7ad36f)
I hope you think this through a little bit. Sounds like you may be miserable with two competing purposes.
Good luck.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
lol... The army and feminine? I don't think those two words can be connected together like that.
Hrmmm i think it may take stealth to a whole new level to pull off.
Good luck hunny i really hope it works out for you.
I was in the USMC and an say there are ways, and we are a pretty bulky bunch. I was going fo rhte opposite, as I'm FTM but there were plenty of people I was, was stationed at a base with all brancehes at one point, that were not bulky at all. If its not too late maybe you can switch to the Air Force? After basic training some of the exercise, or more of, will be left up to you. Therefore you can do the uoga mentioned above. I have seen some pretty scrawny looking people in the military (wouldn't say feminine) so there is a chance.
Just do as little as possible and wehn given a choice take the least iron pumping one.
Myles
Look, if you want to send a transgirl to a living hell, make her enlist. I know whereof I speak. My family had hoped it would make a man of me. (I guess it's obvious how fruitless that was!) I wanted to kill myself every single day. Eventually, I managed to cause enough trouble to get out on "inability to adjust" after nearly three years. I wouldn't wish the experience on my worst enemy.
Well, thank you everybody for the answers! I've decided to instead join the Coast Guard, so I can still get college money and all other good stuff, along with saving people. Which is totally cool.
I already practice Hatha Yoga and stretch every day, so just keep on doing it and I should be fine, right?
As an update, my parents really want me to join the Army now, which has created a slight dilemma- as my friends don't want me to join, some of them do, but mostly my parents do, and it's pretty crazy. : /
I am joining, though. But I will heed everyone's advice and not get too manly looking.
Isn't it possible to still be able to kick ass AND look feminine-ish???
What about all of those woman fighters who kick every guys ass they come across, yet are totally girls?
I hope there is hope.
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 11, 2008, 11:13:49 AMWhat about all of those woman fighters who kick every guys ass they come across, yet are totally girls?
Different methods of training hon, plus, they don't have testosterone cruising through their veins building muscle and growing hair. :(
~Simone.
In the long run - if not the short run - the Army is not really in synch with men in touch with their fem side, much less trying to reach it. Two very different goals.
Yeah, it's pretty complicated, and I have mixed emotions. As an Androgynous guy, I want to join to be more of a guy, to become disciplined and all that. For the girl part of me, I don't want to join at all. To conflicted sides here.
However, in the future (10-20 years) when the revolution happens, I'll be able to have a whole bunch of military knowledge to help the rebellion. (half joking, by the way) And, as a person in the rave scene, I know I definitely won't have any body fat, I'll have a good build, and that bad ass lone wolf feel that works for both genders, so I'll look awesome on the dance floor with my shirt off, as well as just being generally awesome.
But I don't think that's a good incentive to join up, which is another reason why I'm conflicted...
Good reasons to join...
- to serve your nation
- to get some special training or skill they only have there
- because it seems like something you would be good at and enjoy
Bad reasons
- to be more of a man
- to escape
- to look good
I know I didn't seem very serious when I gave those reasons, it's because they were just mainly jokes.
The reasons I do want to join-
- Become disciplined
- Money for college
- Do something for my country
- Get in great shape
- Use the skills I learned to use at a later date, like leadership, or if there is in fact a revolution, I'd be of some use.
Reasons I don't want to join-
- I might die
- I am against the war
- If I die, my parents and friends will be hurt beyond comprehension
Perhaps I'll try to join something besides Infantry? That way, my friends and family won't have to worry.
Just remember, it ain't like my job where I can go in and tell the boss to stuff it whenever I get tired of it. When you're in that, it's hard to get out.
Yeah... I've also been told that I won't be an individual anymore, I'll be a number. That's why I'll shoot for a high score on the ASVAB, and get a good job in there.
Whoa. That sucks...
I think something with computer technology would be alright, wouldn't it? That's what I want to do when I get out of the military, so...
Basic, ya right no freeqin way. AIT possibly depends on your MOS and duty station, BTW is it to late to go to the AF or Navy? once your done it will all depend on where your deployed and if you can get your HRT The Army is not known for being feminine friendly, my bratty son joined at 19 and a man came back.
Is the Navy and Air Force really that much of a better option?
They are very different cultures, with the AF being a bit more liberal (which is not much, considering we're gauging beginning with the Army.) The Navy is pretty unique in its own way, I always got the idea that the sailors got away with the most crap, unless they were on a ship, and that kinda sucked.
So it comes down to those two, right? Like, I don't want to be bored. And from what people have said, it's pretty boring on the ship for months at a time. :-\
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 11, 2008, 02:24:55 PM
Is the Navy and Air Force really that much of a better option?
OMG your joking right, The AF is the cream of the crop, they have the best bases and working conditions the navy has some decent base and working conditions are soso the Army and the Marines get what's left, with a few exceptions, consider this The AF sends it's officers into battle with Million dollar pieces of equipment the enlisted sta behind the lines to fix stuff, the navy well that's self explainitory do ya like to travel join the Navy. Army sends it's enlisted into the thick of things
Oh like almost anything else, I've known people who did it and kinda liked it, it is THE way to go to all the places that sailors go to, Hong Kong, Manila and do the things that sailors do in such places, which I'm assured is a darn good time. On the other hand, you could get stuck in Norfork. Though I have a friend who went into the Navy, did air traffic control school in Memphis and then did the rest of his time in Fresno, never saw anything bigger than a rowboat.
The AF seems to be the most corporate, the most 9-5 almost. But I rarely see any AF guys in SF - though I see lots of Army and Navy (and MPs/SPs). I think the Army, and the Marines, depend a lot more on unit cohesion then the others, so its a much more enforced culture, and a lot straighter. Look there is a real that the term "Hey Sailor!" because a common deal.
I just went to the Air Forces website, and they have a career called Space Systems Operations Apprentice, which is completely awesome in every way. If not, there are a few other space related careers that I would love to get into. Thank you, ladies- for helping me reach the conclusion that the Army is the worst possible decision to make...
Air Force it might as well be, then!
Well really check it out, talk to all of them, see who is going to cut you the best deal to do what you want to do. I always thought the Navy was a lot more computer then the others, real pioneers in the field. But check out your options and see. Think of basic too. Some places, like say, Great Lakes in the winter, suck. Paris Island in the summer ain't a picnic either.
I was raised by Lake Ontario, so I know how that can get LMAO. I'll check it out, though... if the Navy does better with computers than the Air Force, than I might have to go to the Navy, but Space Systems Operations Apprentice sounds so awesome... :laugh:
Well then.
The year prior to joining the army, I spent mostly as a very effeminate goth.
Come enlistment day, I was a scrawny white guy with a mop of black hair.
At the end of basic training, I was a fit, athletic white guy with a shaved head.
Six years later, I left the army with a bunch of money, lots of useful qualifications and I was most certainly a very blokey bloke, though still on the thin side.
Over the next few years, the army influenced sloughed away and the muscle dropped off and eventually I was in a good place to transition.
What am I saying here?
It's possible to put things on hold while you do...more important things. Like set yourself up for a good career and make some money.
If you can do it, put the femme side on the back burner for a few years and let the male side take over for a while. Nothing that happens to you physically in the army will be permanent (unless you get a bunch of macho tattoos like I did).
I will state this now, for the sake of clarity:
If you join the infantry and expect to hold onto your feminine side, you are an utter fool.
An 'accident' will happen to you which will kill you or leave you maimed for life.
Maybe in another trade, like logistics or medics you might get away with being a bit more gender neutral, but in the infantry...no.
This is just persuading me more to not join the Army, lol!
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 11, 2008, 03:40:43 PMThis is just persuading me more to not join the Army, lol!
I think that's the idea. :P
~Simone.
Quote from: lady amarant
I think that's the idea. :P
~Simone.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc86.deviantart.com%2Ffs23%2Ff%2F2007%2F349%2F8%2F0%2FDuh_by_curtis_da_-%253E-bleeped-%253C-.jpg&hash=6dcf7318960e3c8a8fef62cd7744a1147494a4ed)
Well seriously, I hope we have helped you think this through before you make a terrible mistake you will be stuck with for years.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 11, 2008, 11:13:49 AM
As an update, my parents really want me to join the Army now, which has created a slight dilemma- as my friends don't want me to join, some of them do, but mostly my parents do, and it's pretty crazy. : /
I am joining, though. But I will heed everyone's advice and not get too manly looking.
Success requires single mindedness of purpose.
Either be feminine, or be a soldier.
If you try and do both though, your entire plattoon will have a nickname for you that will get annoying very quickly.
It's six digits and starts with F.
I went through this myself years back, even just as recently as July. I want to serve. Not for college money, not for benefits, but because I seriously want to shoot some insurgents in Iraq.
Fact is though that it'd be a great time, but I'd be missing out on times that I could be using to make myself a brighter future right now, such as getting this gender thing out of the way.
After I have my doctorate and SRS, there's a slim chance they might take me.
Until then, I had to seriously get my priorities straight.
There isn't a place in the armed forces for ->-bleeped-<-gots. If you're anything but a manly man you'd better make sure noone even close to another soldier, sailor, airman, or god forbid a Marine knows about it.
Either be a 'man' and go in, or keep your individuality and take the tough way to get through college.
Sucks being a civilian I know but...
It's not something to take lightly.
If you are TS and can't wait the minimum of the four years stint in the Armed forces to proceed with transitioning and HRT and if you try to do in while on duty it could prove to be detrimental to your health should any of the troops should discover who you are. I got lucky when I tried to join when I was 17 years old I didn't qualify because I was to small.
Cindy
There's nothing to be ashamed of either way.
Just don't try and do both.
After doing a little research, it does seem that the Air Force is probably the best option for me. The thing is, like you said, I also have two desires, the one part of me wanting to help my country and be useful, and the other part just wanting to better myself and help people in other ways.
Which is why I think that the AF might be the best way to go. I mean, I have a cousin in the AF right now, and he's definitely not very masculine at all. With that said, I don't believe they are as homophobic in the AF, as well (I'm not gay, but with society being the way it is, they'll say I'm gay if I see myself as a woman sometimes, right?). The entire thing seems pretty much more open minded in general. Way more so than all of the other branches of service.
But then again, I hear stereotypes about Navy men during the long months aboard a ship... and I suppose there are more places to travel, as well. So it's really a hard decision, because I love traveling...
Well make it a long slow decision, its a long way back from it. Its a good goal to serve, though there are lots of ways to do it, look at all the options, look objectively at the good points and bad point of each - then you roll the dice and go for it.
Yeah, good thing I came here first, though! :laugh:
The airforce is just as bad of a choice as anything else.
If you're going to serve, then serve selflessly as the best you can be. Tools of the US Military aren't supposed to be too free-thinking.
If you're going to be yourself, don't pretend you can do that in there.
The US Military is an enormously large industry holding a large percent of the world's total firepower in nukes, manpower, and training. If you think they're going to bend over so YOU can be self-expressive, think again.
The reason I suggest the Air Force is the training. The reason you have to score high on the test to get in is the programs are just better. The experience (most) can translate into the real world on a better level. They also aren't as physical they want your brain more than anything else.While in the Marine Corps I was stationed for a brief period ata multi services base (all branches) and I always told myself if I ever had to do it again I would go Air Force. If you are concerned about bulking up go to a branch that is not all about brawn.
Myles
The Air Force actually does have some combat oriented roles, which require a large degree of intelligence along with strength and all that.
It's like the Special Forces-
-Combat Control
-Pararescue
-Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape
-Tactical Air Control Party
To soothe my feelings of wanting to do great things for my country, what better way of doing so than the Special Forces, and a branch of them that actually requires more of a scouting ability than a fighting ability? I would join the SeAL's, but I'm totally not cut out for that yet.
I am willing to put the feminine thing on hold for a while, as long as I can remain Androgynous, I shouldn't have a problem.
Honestly, if I am not to fight at all, then I would do well in SERE, teaching people how to be modern day Ninjas (basically). I've always been good at Evasion and Escape, and Survival and Resistance sound even way more up my ally.
I had a friend who was a SEAL and really loved it.
Do what you want and what is best for you and good luck with whatever that may be!
Myles
I should add he (my friend) did not know how to swim but wanted to join the Seals so bad he took swim lessons when he was 18 to get in.
Myles
Hi Mazarine hon there are many different ways of serving others much more honorable then serving in the armed forces. Or if you wish to serve with the armed forces why not try to serve a a medic.
There are many other social services careers you could pursue that would fulfil your needs for service work to your fellow men and women. There are a few here doing exactly that. It may not be an easy way but it can be accomplished Those folks here I would imagine would be more then happy to steer you in the right direction or just serve in the soup kitchens, missions, street centers, rehabs, half way houses, senior citizens homes, Women's shelter and as a social worker as I have for nearly 25 years.
Cindy
Quote from: cindybc on December 12, 2008, 09:04:12 PM
Hi Mazarine hon there are many different ways of serving others much more honorable then serving in the armed forces. Or if you wish to serve with the armed forces why not try to serve a a medic.
I disagree, oh how I disagree with all my heart.
Edit: re-read rule #15 - attack the issue, never the person - Tink
My dear that was my opinion only, I don't believe in shooting people, blowing people up, and stabbing people in the back, torturing them, starving them, etc.
Aggression, anger, hating terrorizing and mass murder are not my idea of fixing problems in human relations. All that horrible blood spilling crap if it could be avoided why not avoid it is all I am saying. There are other ways of doing it besides carrying a stupid gun over your shoulder and smelling of sweat and blood and bombs falling all around and shooting and blasting at everything that moves just to prove and show you care for country and country men.
There are more peaceable ways to work for country and fellow men and women, Peace Corps, Coast Guard, Medics, National Guard. just to name a few that comes to mind. *Mazarine* all I am saying is that there are more peaceable ways of serving your country if this is what you are seeking to do.
Cindy
Peaceful, maybe, although peace has ALWAYS been won by war.
Honorable? No. Honor requires willingness to sacrifice yourself to a higher cause and perseverence to that purpose in such that it's a lifestyle. There isn't much more sacrifice an individual can make over a soldier or Marine, both in simply the process and the occupation.
Quote from: Annwyn on December 13, 2008, 12:33:12 AMThere isn't much more sacrifice an individual can make over a soldier or Marine, both in simply the process and the occupation.
I think the people who volunteer in places like the DRC and Sudan and Zimbabwe trying to save people's lives - they are the real heroes. While the leaders and their militaries fight, not caring who gets caught in the crossfire, these people are braving bullets and starvation and disease to keep the innocent people alive. I'm not taking away from the soldiers who protect civilians and keep the peace, but there are other ways to be noble and heroic Annwyn.
There's a saying here in Southern Africa that I love to bits:
"When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers."
~Simone.
Well hon that's your thoughts and feeling on how you wish to serve country and fellow countrymen, I suppose there is valor in winning a war, but what if some guy with a long scraggly beard with a wild crazy look in their face has you against some crumbling wall of what's left of a boomed out concrete building holding a machete against your throat, will you be feeling so brave then? I don't have to go to a war to see what its like, I have seen them many times in visions..
If that is your choice, then be it, who am I to argue with you.
Cindy
Exactly what I was trying to point out, thank you for come back Lady Amarant.
Quote"When elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers."
I love it, and so true.
Cindy
I'll take this opportunity to remind you all that many of the greatest leaps in technology and medicine have happened due to armed conflict.
Our species is geared for conflict; it's in our genes.
We can hug all the trees we like and pretend it ain't so, but that changes nothing.
We wouldn't be the strongest species on this planet without that drive for superiority through violence.
Quote from: Vexing on December 13, 2008, 02:49:51 AM
I'll take this opportunity to remind you all that many of the greatest leaps in technology and medicine have happened due to armed conflict.
Our species is geared for conflict; it's in our genes.
We can hug all the trees we like and pretend it ain't so, but that changes nothing.
We wouldn't be the strongest species on this planet without that drive for superiority through violence.
True. But if we just listen to our instincts and follow our natures, we're nothing more than animals. For us to really claim the word humanity, we need to strive to be humane.
~Simone.
I am completely against the war in the middle east and our military presence throughout the world. However, I am not against the use of special forces to track down those responsible for killing 3000 Americans on 9/11.
True that it was a result of our presence in the middle east, our support of Israel and the general bombing everyone of Israel's enemies (as well as arming them, as it goes)- but I do believe we have every right to avenge the deaths of those people through the use of unconventional warfare- bringing justice to those directly responsible, and not to civilians- just to those responsible.
We know who they are. We know how to find them. That's why I would join the Special Forces. Granted, I'm not just going to go right into it. I have to think about it, and I do- everyday.
But let's get down to the point- we humans are not yet developed enough to grasp the concept of peace and anarchy. We choose to be ruled by corrupt governments, choose to support dubious foreign wars, choose to do as much good for ourselves without caring for anybody. We can't change overnight, but we can change.
With that said, I salute those who are willing to carry a gun down a war torn street, carrying the American flag, because even though he may not be doing the greatest thing- he is doing it for us. Every insurgent he kills, is one less insurgent that will try to kill us.
We must kill until we realize that all of this hatred is stupid, but we are not at this stage yet. So we fight.
The modern soldier is no more of a hero than the humanitarian, both are doing things the wrong way- but both are doing it for the greater good, even if that ends in his/ her own sacrifice. And that- is honor.
If you have any intention of joining the military, you'd do well to remove or change your sexual orientation on myspace from, "bisexual."
Just sayin. Recruiters DO check.
Good Luck in hell for a while. I am a former Marine and I had a great body when I had come out. You are going to have to wait to look femininen until you finish your tour. Say Bye bye hair.
Forgive me for not knowing, but am I not allowed to be Bisexual in the Military?
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 13, 2008, 08:38:38 AM
Forgive me for not knowing, but am I not allowed to be Bisexual in the Military?
Absolutely not.
Well, I heard that they had a high intolerance levels for homosexuality, but I thought there was this "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Seriously, though?
Whoa... I really had no idea that kind of BS still happened in our military. Like, I thought that was over 50 years ago... how else do they discriminate against LGBT??
If this is what I'm getting myself into, then forget it. I'll just have to find another job that can fulfill my wishes and still get me into college... what else is there? What can I do?
You don't want to be anything but straight heterosexual male and nothing more on your papers. If it says anything else you wont even get past the recruiting office. Or if you get in and your fellow soldiers or sailors discover any different they will tear you apart and feed the pieces to the seagulls.Or you get other then honorable discharge with no benefits.
There is something that can be done to change the greedy corrupted system, like governments and corrupted leaders, it can start right here with a good education and be the teacher. That can take a lot of work and sweat to accomplish but it's better then being out in a battle field. You win a war only for it to start again just a few years later. Like you keep popping holes in the bottom of your row boat and running out of bubble gum to plug the holes and no bailing can.
Cindy
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 13, 2008, 08:38:38 AM
Forgive me for not knowing, but am I not allowed to be Bisexual in the Military?
The "official" policy is usually called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." That looks good on paper anyway. But in real life, you better emphasize the Don't Tell part, and do it to the extreme.
Best of luck!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
Hi Mazarine_Sky Getting into college is a good start, while your there look for the best ways as to what you can effectively do to change the system and the policies that allow conditions to degrade in our countries and others that lead to war. It's not the little people that start wars it's the rich the greedy and the powerful. Just work towards doing something to effect changes in those type of conditions.
World peace can be attained if we work towards ending the brain washing and deception that this type of unnecessary destruction is the only way to do it. This crap That we need to fight in order to prosper needs be squelched once and for all. To do so it is we loose, we who have to go only adds to the misery of moms fathers, loosing their sons and daughters for a bunch silly assed fat cats that say they have to. It's the only way to bring peace. It's the little people like you and I who are concidered expendable, use us to do their dirty work. Changing a world system can start with one person who is willing to shine his/ her light for the next person who chooses to follow his/her foot steps. The next battlefield will be in the mind and the battle will be for the mind.
I'm a rebel, always have been, but I am a rebel of a different kind, a different breed, I am one of the predecessors, the Hippy movement, the flower children, the ones who fought to get our people out of Vietnam. I lost one of my best friends who came back from that war. years later he died in my arms from Serosis,--however you spell that, of the liver, drank himself to death. A baby killer? God forbid.
He went to that war because he though he could make a difference. He comes back to the reception of people boooooing and throwing garbage at him calling him a baby killer. I could go on and on about those day but all I will say is that there are many of those honorable soldiers whose names never even made it on that wall.
I also wanted to say thank you for your email *exmilitary person* :D
Cindy
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 13, 2008, 08:38:38 AM
Forgive me for not knowing, but am I not allowed to be Bisexual in the Military?
Honey, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" says you can be, but that, if they find out about it, your arse is grass. So no. Not really. They want straight boys. Apparently they can hold the gun better.
...
That last bit was my pathetically feeble attempt at a joke. :P
~Simone.
Well I like it right along with the elephants and the grass. Not certain if that was understood by all but the elephants fighting will do more damage to the grass then the elephants will harm each other is very symbolic of what I was saying about the little people the soldiers the ones that get caught in the cross fire, is the grass under the fighting elephants,
The elephants are the rich fat ass cats that rule the countries that are at war and the closest they get to the battle field is a map on a table where they push toy soldiers around the map with a long stick with a brass hook on the end of it, much like chess pieces on a chess board. Or is that all done with computer animations now?
And yea picture in your mind someone pushing on you bear ass on the damp dewy grass in the early morn before the sun comes, up is one way to look at it. Like in, getting your ass shredded. ;D
Cindy
Quote from: Annwyn on December 13, 2008, 12:33:12 AM
Peaceful, maybe, although peace has ALWAYS been won by war.
What a brain twister eh. Si vis pacem para bellum. While I do think that war and conflict are inevitably ingrained into the human fiber, it sounds like an excuse to say we fight wars to attain peace and thus keep fighting and dominating.
Quote
Honorable? No. Honor requires willingness to sacrifice yourself to a higher cause and perseverence to that purpose in such that it's a lifestyle.
The only thing a soldier proves is that he or she can follow orders in an efficient way and that they are willing to subjugate their will to forces they don't understand but who they trust blindly.
Quote
There isn't much more sacrifice an individual can make over a soldier or Marine, both in simply the process and the occupation.
Yeah those people who brave violence and disease to bring food or vaccines to children can't compare to dudes with machine guns. Riight.
Umm you have heard of student loans right? Seriously if you are even questioning your gender now, what are you going to do for four years while youre enlisted. Even if the recruiter tells you that theyll give you a certain job or position don't believe that BS. My brother joined the navy after they told him they would get him into the ROTC. Haha yeah right. now hes just a regular joe shmo.
And oh yeah my brother had the same fantasies and delusions about "saving the world and working toward a noble goal" that didn't last long. lol. Don't watch those commercials about joining the military thats going to make you a fantastic person. its called propaganda. Also no offense but if you didn't realize the degree of closemindedness and homophobia of the military then youre reallllllyyyyy in for a rude awakening.
Why don't you get a job and work for a few years and figure out which direction you want to go. Get your college generals out of the way while you do it. You don't have to rush off into any of the armed forces just to make your parents happy. This is YOUR life. Dont live your life trying to meet everyone elses expectations, because everyone wants something different for you. Youll get old and realize, ->-bleeped-<- what happened to the life I wanted. Anyway listen to your own heart about how you feel before you get yourself into something you may regret later.
Audrey
I've decided to go to college, for computer technology. It's what I wanted to do before I wanted to join the military. I just wish the military wasn't like that...
Hey Mezarine, listen to Audry, she's a smart one that one. Wish she were my daughter I would be very proud to be her mommy. ;D
Cindy
haha cindy you goof. thanks though. oh yeah I got my app for brassard in yesterday. they have openings this summer, so YEAHH.
Quote from: cindybc on December 13, 2008, 02:42:22 PM
Hey Mezarine, listen to Audry, she's a smart one that one. Wish she were my daughter I would be very proud to be her mommy. ;D
Cindy
Have to agree, Cindy, I'd be proud to have her as my daughter.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.smileycentral.com%2Fcat%2F23%2F23_32_7.gif&hash=88b49c91d358e119359944ae0fe5898d872cf4a9)Kristi
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)
Well, I knew that the Military wasn't very excepting to anyone LGBT, but I had no idea it was that bad. I seriously thought that ended years ago.
Well, I just quit a job I had for a year and a half, and before that, I had two other jobs. I started working when I was 16, and now that I'm 18, I can say with confidence that I hate not having a career, and I will have a good one.
Yes, I know about student loans, I just hate owing people money. I'm applying for some when I can for the fall semester of '09, with my friend.
But before I end this post I must say that you have all helped me realize some very important things which I had been ignoring on purpose. As a result, I am slowly transforming into a better person, with a better goal for helping the greater good. I honestly do not know why I thought that joining the Military was a good idea for this goal, but it matters not- as I am completely passionate about doing what I can for the Earth and Humanity.
So in that respect, thank you.
"YAYYYYYYYY!!!!" Congrats, that is truly good news Audry hon, and I am happy for you. You will do quite fine. Let me know when during the next summer. Wing Walker and I are planning on making some trips out east this summer, so never know where we end up. But I do want to go a visit a good and dear friend in Long Island before she decides to buy her one way ticket on that cosmic Grey Hound Bus to the next dimension.
Cindy
I am relieved that you have decided on another way to help Mommy earth and her children Mazerine hon. :D
Hi, I have transferred this topic to my Blog Cindy's Ramblings Blog
Folly of War
If anyone is interested in posting a comment you are welcome to do so.
Cindy
Quote from: lady amarant on December 13, 2008, 01:24:30 PM
Honey, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" says you can be, but that, if they find out about it, your arse is grass. So no. Not really. They want straight boys. Apparently they can hold the gun better.
...
That last bit was my pathetically feeble attempt at a joke. :P
Having men that like men in the army distracts others from their duties.
Most men are overly conscious about it.
You can't put a gay guy in the middle of the platoon in bootcamp and expect his squadron to hold together when most of those guys(18-22) can't get over him being gay.
You can't put one in a combat situation for the same reason.
It's not necessarily the gay dude's fault, it's that and the entire mentality towards it.
Considering, it'd be better to exclude a few for the better performance of many than to include a few and potentially not achieve optimal performance of the human tools they train and operate.
Then there's also the sexual aspect. Sexual harassment is common in the military, and in or out of military law homosexual conduct always complicates those cases. When a man says he was raped by a man, or a woman says she was raped by a woman, it's not taken anywhere nearly as serious as a stronger man assaulting a weaker woman.
Add to that a clear increase in the ratio of mentally ill homosexuals vs. heterosexuals. whether it's caused by society's intolerance or not doesn't matter to them. They just want operational machines, not emotional, possibly manic and unstable, holding their weapons in the name of the country.
Could this be worked around? Every single issue.
Is it worth the effort according to the people running the show and the majority of homophobic America?
Nope.
We'd rather recruit mexicans over homosexuals. Got ourselves a good foreign legion going on here, somewhat reminiscent of the German foreign legion of the Roman Empire towards the end of it's reign over Europe.
What can you do? Exactly what most of us college kids do. Get a job, work your ass off, go to college, work the tailbone off, and watch most of your life go down the drain.
Finish your degree well in debt from student loans and spend the next 5-10 years paying them off.
Purchase plenty of firearms and make sure you're well connected with your friends and your community. Volunteer at your local fire station 1-2 nights a week. Always be respectful to representatives of the government and the law.
You can get your degree in something that would better allow you to pursue a career in the police force or special services like the CIA or FBI, NSA, DHS, etc.
Or you can just be a regular citizen. If everyone went off and became a superhero, then there wouldn't be anyone to protect. The role of the lamb is as important as that of the shepherd, because what kind of shepherd would you be without any sheep?
Hope that helps a bit there kid. Hit me up on myspace more!^_^
Yeah, that does seem to make a lot of sense. I'm really glad to have come here before doing anything, even if the original intent of the topic had nothing to do with the end result! lol. Really, though. I'm glad everyone's being so helpful for me.
Come to think of it, there is a volunteer fire department in my town, and I think that the EMT's are voluntary as well. Not to mention all of the organizations and places that could use my help... like the homeless shelter in Atlantic City, yeah?
Wow, I'm starting to realize a lot of other things I could be doing right now. This is great!
Thanks so very much!
While you are young enough to not be locked into your choices yet, its not all that bad an idea to try to look at yourself, and the world, and try to find a place in the sun and all that. As the old song says:
Since it costs a lot to win, and even more to lose,
You and me bound to spend some time wondrin what to choose.
Goes to show, you dont ever know,
Watch each card you play and play it slow,
Wait until that deal come round,
Dont you let that deal go down
The military has been very good for a lot of people. Many on these boards have gone through it and they lived, and in some cases even thrived. Its not a place to explore your sexuality however.
It can offer some critical skills that you pick up there a lot faster than in just a classroom. However, as someone said, they don't have to put you where they say. So it kind be sort of crapshoot.
Its a shame that nothing else really equals the military however, you can take a couple of college courses and decide if you like or don't like college, but its hard to get a taste of the military sort of the real deal.
And I don't know of a lot of people in college who feel their life is going down the drain, matter of fact, a lot of people will tell you its the best years of their life, and all that....
That's true. All of my friends in college tell me it's the best thing ever. Even the ones in community college are still enjoying it more than high school.
For most people, its not all that hard to beat high school.
Quote from: Annwyn on December 13, 2008, 05:38:06 PM
Having men that like men in the army distracts others from their duties.
Most men are overly conscious about it.
You can't put a gay guy in the middle of the platoon in bootcamp and expect his squadron to hold together when most of those guys(18-22) can't get over him being gay.
You can't put one in a combat situation for the same reason.
It's not necessarily the gay dude's fault, it's that and the entire mentality towards it.
Considering, it'd be better to exclude a few for the better performance of many than to include a few and potentially not achieve optimal performance of the human tools they train and operate.
Interesting point, but it's not new.
I believe the same reasoning was used in the 1940's to explain why the army and navy couldn't possibly be racially integrated.
And later, why women can't command.
As soon as they can explain why Carter got to be Sargent, but it seem to me that they never got beyond those ranks either. But James Bond was Commander at the beginning, middle, and end, so perhaps rank is not everything.
Quote from: tekla on December 14, 2008, 10:28:21 PM
And later, why women can't command.
Although in that case, I think the military also invoked the specter of PMS.
The Military (in capitol letters) will do anything to resist change, largely because their way wins more often then not, so change is not working for them. But a bad case example/study at any rate.
Well if it works why change it?
There is a speech by house(Hugh Laurie) about this thing(Change) in the first season ill try to find it
-I cant find it, but its in episode 17 season 1 episode name: Role Model
THis doesnt mean I agree with the military
join the navy and you may have better luck trying to be feminine and you wont get shot at. :eusa_dance:
Quote from: Kelsey on December 15, 2008, 06:03:10 AM
Well if it works why change it?
There is a speech by house(Hugh Laurie) about this thing(Change) in the first season ill try to find it
-I cant find it, but its in episode 17 season 1 episode name: Role Model
THis doesnt mean I agree with the military
A lot of things seem to "work" without them being right. Armies also "worked" before racial integration or the ban on women in the military.
Banning gays and lesbians from the military because it seems to "work" fine is entrenching old-school views just for the sake of not rocking the boat.
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 11, 2008, 12:32:33 PM
Whoa. That sucks...
I think something with computer technology would be alright, wouldn't it? That's what I want to do when I get out of the military, so...
Air Force boot camp is easy compared to the other services. Computer everything. Really good tech schools. And they send the officers into the war not the wing wipers. Seriuosly I was Air Force reserve at age 28 the younger guys called me grand pa. I went in to boot camp wieighing 145lbs. Came out at 157. I wasn't trying to pass at that point in my life. just remember you are going to be surrounded by a bunch ofd guys from everry walk of life. The more different yyou are the more negative attention you will get. The AF serves the country has bases all over the world and nice uniforms. ::)
I dont know if you've made your decision yet, but like others before me I'd encourage you to write out your reasons for enlisting and alternatives. I've done a tour on active duty army and while it was not hell it did have its down sides. Homosexuals were not well tolerated, but there were a few I've served with and they kept it lightly under wraps and no one gave a damne about it, while others were living in hell because they made waves. Thats an important concept. Dont make waves and you will likely be alright.
Check out other options such as the coast guard and Air Force. I was Army and stationed on several Air Force bases and let me tell you they were MUCH more lax about exercise standards and they had much much bettter living standards.
In the Army you do what they tell you to as far as excersize goes. You will bulk up a bit in basic training but if you have a thin physique and high metabolism you'll get out in better shape and not bulk up too much. When doing excersize its good to concentrate on your PT test as thats what they obcess over. Run at a good pace, do push ups effectively, and do sit ups effectively. Sit ups are harder on the guys, push ups are harder on the gals. Work on building endurance more than strength. High reps with low weights can actually build up bulk, so focus on resistance training with moderate weights to build endurance without overdoing it on bulk. You can lose some bulk over time, if you watch it. Running is a big deal in the Army, and it does not require large bulk. Ace your run times and you will likely be thinner and still score better than the bulky guys who have no problems on their pushups.
Also, reconsider Infantry. While Infantry is the Queen of battle, they dont tolerate Queens well. It's a rough world. If you have half a brain try and go for something more mental than physical. Smart soldiers are harder to come by, and in the end we are all infantry. The medical field is a good goal, or military intelligence (but you will have to pass a security clearance - dont lie as its a sure 'FAIL'). Supply is also a good all around field, its vital to any mission and you'd be surprised how important and involved it is. My father (retiered Army) once told me that if you make only one friend, make it the supply sergeant.
Hope this helps.
Just an update.
He's joining the Army and shipping in about a month.
He's decided he'll tough it out and do his service.
I just had a friend of mine who I was borderline being her girlfriend ship out on tuesday.
I don't care what your opinions on the military/war in Iraq are, you better wish this dude a fun time and a safe term in the US Army. Cuz, he's got more guts than most of you can work up and he loves his country enough to sacrifice some of his life and put his gender issues on hold to serve.
Mazarine Skye, good luck, I'm cheering for you.
Well what do you think we are women, as women we should be looking for ways to stop wars and bring our men and women home. Annwyn.
Cindy
Quote from: cindybc on January 09, 2009, 01:51:34 AM
Well what do you think we are women, as women we should be looking for ways to stop wars and bring our men and women home. Annwyn.
Cindy
Actually it's Toni.
Annwyn was just a handle.
War is necessary to keep the peace.
May God bless Mazarine_Sky, I am saying this in a positive caring way, come back home safely.
Cindy
Quote from: cindybc on January 09, 2009, 02:05:31 AM
May God bless Mazarine_Sky, I am saying this in a positive caring way, come back home safely.
Cindy
x2
Quote from: Toni Bridges on January 09, 2009, 01:46:36 AMI don't care what your opinions on the military/war in Iraq are, you better wish this dude a fun time and a safe term in the US Army.
I do wish him well and good luck!
Quote from: Toni Bridges on January 09, 2009, 01:46:36 AMCuz, he's got more guts than most of you can work up...
I'm a veteran. Please dont determine my level of courage or lack therof until you've been shot at, mortared, threatened with bodily harm and death, and all the fun $#!^ I've been through in the past. Honestly.
I've also taken care of veterans, current wars and past. I have the upmost respect for the military and their mission.
I wish the serviceman safety and wellbeing. Good luck soldier.
I joined the Air Force hoping it would make me more of a man and get rid of the feeling of being a woman in a mans body. I wold dress under my male clothes before I joined. After I joined that five Year enlistment was five years of hell for me. If you join the military you have to be real real careful. It only takes one to assume. I found that every one I came across in the AF or other branchs ( I worked closely with other branchs, Navy, Army and Marines) felt like they had to manly and was always trying to out do the other. I never went to the gym while I was in, Everyone goes to the gym. I was made fun of a few times because I was not muscle bound. If you join be careful.
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on December 11, 2008, 12:16:32 PM
I know I didn't seem very serious when I gave those reasons, it's because they were just mainly jokes.
The reasons I do want to join-
- Become disciplined
- Money for college
- Do something for my country
- Get in great shape
- Use the skills I learned to use at a later date, like leadership, or if there is in fact a revolution, I'd be of some use.
Reasons I don't want to join-
- I might die
- I am against the war
- If I die, my parents and friends will be hurt beyond comprehension
Perhaps I'll try to join something besides Infantry? That way, my friends and family won't have to worry.
Ok, I'm going to be honest here from a ex-military standpoint. Here are the best areas to not completely "lose it" while you are in:
1. Navy - go for a surface ship, not subs. If you can get on a carrier, you are golden - those are "mini-cities" of 6500 people
2. Air Force - easier to not get tripped up on the physical fitness requirements.
3. Coast Guard - combine #1 and #2 together for a decent package. Trouble is that they are a lot tighter on recruitment usually.
I did some CDing when I was in, and the department I was in actually was tolerant, but you have to be careful there.
Laura
The notion that the right love the troops and left does not is pretty much bull->-bleeped-<-. I have family in the military, and old students of mine - that we would rather have them at home, rather that in a war that a bunch of draft dodgers dreamed up for the sake of the bottom line of the businesses they own, is not unAmerican. Not at all. I love the troops. Bring them home to their families. Now.
Update-
I've changed my political beliefs a little. I'm going in as infantry in the Army. Thanks for the support...
Best wishes and good luck
Congratz.
You got my number.
Call it.
Good luck in the military and stay safe...
I see a lot of misconceptions here and some statements that have some truth to them...
The Army is not as big into physical fitness as some may think. Yes, you need to be physically fit, but not to the point where you need to be muscular. You only need be fit enough to pass the pt test. You can maintain a somewhat feminine body, though too much so will draw attention. During initial induction training, you generally shower together in one large shower area. Once at your assigned unit, you are often in a room with a few other men with your own shared shower, so less visibility if that is a concern. I mention this because there are very few instances where a "fem" body will be noticed. There are all sorts of body shapes, from fem to muscular. There are military men who are crossdressers, just as there are gay and lesbian military personnel. It is not the service in particular that makes a difference, but rather the field you choose to enter. If you opt for the infantry, logistics, computer tech, medical, etc., you will have little trouble as long as you are not obvious and "out". If you elect to go into the more stringently demanding units, or "special ops" units, you will have a more difficult time, but it is not impossible by any means, to be fem (to a much lesser degree than you normally would) or live a gay lifestyle, within reason of course. In the local area in which I live, you will see military crossdressers, gay, lesbian, and even trans. I personally fought my GID by going into the military to force myself to be a "man". Not a good idea, as all it did was eventually cause greater depression and much regret.
For someone looking for the educational benefits and a way to perhaps put away some money (though you don't earn very much), it's not an altogether bad choice given the current economy and job market. I went in for many reasons and remained in primarily for only one. Anyone who has questions regarding this, feel free to email me.
My brother is in Iraq. I worry about him everyday
Hello Virginia,
I can very easily understand your concerns. I don't know either of you, but I pray for his safe return home...
Quote from: Katherine on January 26, 2009, 07:36:28 AM
Hello Virginia,
I can very easily understand your concerns. I don't know either of you, but I pray for his safe return home...
Thank You
I send my prayers for your brother, I hate wars and and the destruction they bring, if I was to make a list of all the destruction it brings I would be here till tomorrow at this time and even some. I have been peace activist since 1963 and that was my fist exposure of working along side other women, We fought with flowers, art and poetry. the hippy days.
Cindy
I want to join so I can fight terrorists. I don't even care about college or anything. The Army will be my career, and I will wait until the next life to be a girl.
The thing is, I see myself as a guardian. I need to be able to be strong enough to protect my family and my country. The fact is, girls aren't allowed to do much combat wise in the military. I need to be a man. I might not like it too much, but if it's for the better of the world, than I'm okay.
I need to be the inspirational hero in battle, the silhouette against a red sky, leading warriors into victory. This cannot be accomplished in this society, in this time, if you are a female. Maybe in the future, but not now. I need to lead, and fight. I would even go so far to say that this is a just war, one that needs to be fought.
Virginia, I thank your brother for his service.
Quote from: Mazarine_Sky on January 28, 2009, 05:46:36 PMThis cannot be accomplished in this society, in this time, if you are a female.
Lots of things can't be accomplished in this society.
I intend to accomplish them.
I wish you the best of luck.
I'd give even odds on VG accomplishing what can not be accomplished. I've seen that happen enough. I'd give you 1-80 odds that you are going to guard anything, protect anything by killing other people. Hell, 5-1 you can't even define terrorist in a way that would not included the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. And, if you're going to call the Founding Fathers of the United States of America terrorists, well....
Quote from: tekla on January 31, 2009, 05:06:04 AM
I'd give even odds on VG accomplishing what can not be accomplished. I've seen that happen enough. I'd give you 1-80 odds that you are going to guard anything, protect anything by killing other people. Hell, 5-1 you can't even define terrorist in a way that would not included the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. And, if you're going to call the Founding Fathers of the United States of America terrorists, well....
Tekla, there are better places to discuss your personal political views than in this particular thread. Cool it and take it somewhere else for the moment.
You've made this argument multiple times and I promise you, I doubt there's many people who haven't heard it already.
A letter from me to a friend who just got back from Iraq.
Hi Jason hon, Welcome home :icon_bunch: nice to hear you are back home safe if not completely sound or at peace with yourself, it may take some silencing of the mind and soul searching, but someday you will find that inner peace again.
In the past while I have been expanding myself, going here and going there, searching and getting involved with some group here and some group there and I have found that as you have mentioned, when seeking others of like minds, you need to look also for those who are alike emotionally, emphatically and spiritually.
I have also discovered that there are many little pockets of good caring and loving people out there. little pockets of goodness in an ocean of shrapnel. Who do you think will survive all that fall out out there?
The quiet one, the one with the unwritten name? Yes, there are many of this kind who have died as unsung heroes.
Or is it the one who is looking to conquer all the ills of the world with one sweep of the magic wand of the material world?
Or the one who only seeks to be a part of, or a connection to those little pockets of caring gifted individuals, to heal by touching anothers heart, and to hold hands with another spiritually?
One who seeks only to heal one needy individual at a time, to bring this healing to the one who truly wants and is willing to receive this gift of this healing.
Yes, gifted in ways that even they are not even aware of. Yes chivalry and heroism may still be alive, but so is kindness, , love compassion, and empathy, and are not these qualities also not part of heroism? Like right up there along with bravery? Like up there on the same level as knights in shining armor, princesses, and warriors of the light.
But you are quite right, unfortunately it is difficult to find such warriors of the true light on the web. To much deceit, descent, and distrust on the web creates animosity and paranoia.
:icon_flower: May the light be with you and may you find your truth :icon_flower:
Cindy
Military service and wars are a reality that may never change. I wish you all the best . I sure would like to wave a magic wand that would eliminate all pain and suffering. Since that is not possible. I can only pray that you and all the non terrorists being shot at and put in harms way come through unscathed.
Thank you for wanting to protect us all.
:police: I was in the Navy and it put my crossdressing on hold. That was frustrating. I was fortunate in physical training part. Never had to do pt. Recommendation: change your MOS asap. Find some nonphysical duty like communications or something. And you realize of course you can't just quit. Take this job and shove it is not an option. Did you know that officers can turn in their 30 day notice and resign but enlisted can't. I know some airborne guys who are not overly muscular. Maybe jumping out of perfectly good airplanes would be good. Actually running is good for a feminine physique. Wow what sexy legs. I'm sure there a lot jobs that are'nt too physically demanding. One friend of mine was a librarian at Ft. Campbell. The training in the modern militarty is definitely worth a few years of your life. Good luck , Genevieve
He's in Basic right now, he left last tuesday.
He should be writing though, I'll keep everyone informed of his adventures until he can get back, kk?
I noticed a reply from Myles. To Myles: Sempre Fi. I was in the Navy and had a jarhead body guard for the days I had to transport classified information. I guess if we got in bad situation where I might comprimise a secret he was supposed to shoot me. I'm not sure. I learned to appreciate Uncle Sam's Misguided Children.
Thanks- Thats funny.
Well there have been some that have disappeared by just having been suspected of leaking classified information. Found several months later sitting in there cars in a remote area with a bullet hole in their heads.
Cindy
Just wanted to say good luck, and if all else fails, you'll be a really hot guy if you try to stay lean threw it all. Both guys a girls will want a piece of you. Don't know if that helps.
Get a MOS that does'nt require alot of physiical training like a librarian. Or something using computers. There are many jobs in the armed forces that do not require a bunch of physical effort. Genevieve
Hey everyone.
sorry for reviving the old topic. I was the user 'Mazarine_Sky'. My account has been deactivated, probably because of non-use. I just wanted to put some closure on this topic.
The past six years have been incredible and tumultuous and overwhelming. When I first started this topic, I was 18. Sexually inexperienced, low self-esteem, and full of dreams. I'm still full of dreams, But not the other two.
More importantly, I know more about myself. Sometimes I wish I would have begun taking hormones back then. gone to college, took up theater. But in many ways I'm glad I did what I did. I no longer feel like I have to express myself as female. Rather, I'm quite comfortable with identifying as 'genderfluid'. These forums provided a lot of help and answers to me in my earlier days, and I'm eternally grateful.
I'm still in the Army, and I've done two tours in Afghanistan. They want me to go on another one, but I'm all burned out. I'm leaving the Army. I'm still young at 24, and I look like I'm 19! I can't wait to get out and finally be free. To express myself the way I want to, as a genderfluid, pansexual person. Go to school, take up a major in chemistry, get involved with theater. I can't wait. I'm so excited to finally be able to live my life.
Thank you all for your help.
Also, does anyone know what happened to Annwyn? we lost contact a few years back. I know I'm grasping at straws, but by any chance does anyone know how I can contact her again? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
Quote from: Eremizu_Endymion on February 14, 2015, 12:57:30 AM
Hey everyone.
sorry for reviving the old topic. I was the user 'Mazarine_Sky'. My account has been deactivated, probably because of non-use. I just wanted to put some closure on this topic.
The past six years have been incredible and tumultuous and overwhelming. When I first started this topic, I was 18. Sexually inexperienced, low self-esteem, and full of dreams. I'm still full of dreams, But not the other two.
More importantly, I know more about myself. Sometimes I wish I would have begun taking hormones back then. gone to college, took up theater. But in many ways I'm glad I did what I did. I no longer feel like I have to express myself as female. Rather, I'm quite comfortable with identifying as 'genderfluid'. These forums provided a lot of help and answers to me in my earlier days, and I'm eternally grateful.
I'm still in the Army, and I've done two tours in Afghanistan. They want me to go on another one, but I'm all burned out. I'm leaving the Army. I'm still young at 24, and I look like I'm 19! I can't wait to get out and finally be free. To express myself the way I want to, as a genderfluid, pansexual person. Go to school, take up a major in chemistry, get involved with theater. I can't wait. I'm so excited to finally be able to live my life.
Thank you all for your help.
Also, does anyone know what happened to Annwyn? we lost contact a few years back. I know I'm grasping at straws, but by any chance does anyone know how I can contact her again? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
Yes. Thanks for your valuable post. Everybody takes a different pathway, and you seem to have maneuvered your young-stage life successfully. Good luck, and enjoy your life whatever it will turn out to be!
barbie~~
WOW sounds like a real challenge to me hope you find a way to work it