I have a minimum of 4 years before I'd be able to change my name. On the sheer fact of the military. I conclude 4 years due to keeping my benefits, and not having to pay a dime back of the bonus I got from resigning a contract. It's that or the protections happen, and dependant of so is when I would get the name change done.
Of course unofficially I can always be Kate, but by documentation, I will remain male named.
Kate