So here I am, laying down for the time being, after a three day Army Reserve training. And I was just thinking about different things, maybe someone might be able to assist me with my thoughts and ideas.
As per my military career I have been all over the place, from California to Georgia, and back to California (being army reserve all the way through my 8 years of service and another 6 to go). Returning to my first duty station in California, with a handful of the original soldiers from before my venture out not much has changed except the progression of more of a diversity in the backgrounds everyone has. As well as, knowing that my commander I had known personally from Georgia, and another lower enlisted from the southern state side army unit.
So as per returning to this unit, back in September, I was picking and choosing through casual conversation, of who would be more tolerant to my own case (without of course putting myself as transgender) and had figured at a bare minimum there is at least a 60% acceptance rate. As per last month I had come out to two other soldiers, one female and the other male, and I have their unwavering support. This month I had told another soldier about myself, in any case he is accepting as well. This month it sort of came up by discussions on first names and all by soldiers around the commons and such.
So I at least have a support group, and possibly will be extending that more as we progress closer to the time of where the ban will be lifted.
But to some perilous thoughts and concerns to my transition as well as of it might affect my military career in any way.
As per when I initially signed up my contract for the Army, I was kicked back a month due to the fact I had seen a psychiatrist long ago, and had to find my doctor, get a hand written statement that I was in good health and get a medical waiver to progress into the Army. Though this is only really the background for my concern as of right now. My concerning thoughts is that with my career choice, I have a tier two secret clearance with a year left before it needs to be renewed. In my case, if i were to see a therapist currently, to start my transition, would this have any effect in possibly not being able to regain my secret clearance which is necessary for my military occupation?
Since my revelation to myself as well as starting to gain a foot in good relation to other soldiers within my ranks in my current unit. I have outwardly told two from my other California unit who had supported me as well. But then again other than having the support through the select few that I have told. I know I will need to eventually have a talk with my first sergeant and commander about it. What would be a starting point for myself, would a visit to the chaplain be a starting point to progress myself to where we might be able to figure anything out, or as well as in my unit there are also several ordained ministers with a confidential disposition.
These are my main concerns with the military, and the answers might be very obvious on what to do, but I would really like second and third opinions on the matters at hand.
Kate <3
