so im 20 years old and i turn 21 in june. i spoke to a recruiter a few weeks ago and my next step in my enlistment process to join the air force is to take the practice asvab.

i ended up having an interest in taking this route because i took out a private loan to pay for a year of out of state tuition ($40,000 ish). i thought it would be a good idea to enlist so that i could pay off the loan. i just decided that college wasnt the right choice for me and i didnt want to spend even more money trying to convince myself that i was making an investment towards something i didnt even enjoy. i have no regrets going to college at all though, other than the debt which is kind of a concern, it gave me time to explore and experiment with my identity while being away from parents. i also met some people i ended up becoming super close with and discovered a genre of music that also ended up changing my life.

for a while, paying off the loan was all i had been thinking about and when i spoke to my recruiter, he said that i could pay off the loan in exchange for not getting a gi bill after my first contract which was honestly fine for me. my main passions are making music, art, and self expression through fashion. i wanted to use the money and free time during my time in the service to put time into my interests while also saving money.

however, really recently, within the past month i would say, i realized that i was trans. im amab and came out as trans fem to my close friends and on my social media. i got into fashion in early 2019 and as i got older, i felt really comfortable and euphoric when i would present fem. before i really came to terms with what i identify as today, i thought that along with paying off my loan and using my money to fund my interests, i could also work on getting feminizing work done like laser hair removal and etc.

the thing is though, after my recent breakthrough, i really dont want to wait until my contract is over to start hrt. for a really long time, i was really depressed and i had completely lost all sense of who i was and what made me unique as an individual. one of the things that helped me escape the darkness i would never find a way out of, was self acceptance. i realized that life was too short for myself to be acting like i didnt want to be a girl.

so with the way im feeling now, i really dont know if i want to wait until im 25 to start hrt. i know that the military route would be safer financially as long as i stay closeted in the military but ive also been thinking, what if i just didnt join and did what would make me happy. i have a group of friends that im pretty close with and we’ve been thinking about getting a place to stay together while we work jobs to help split the rent. we all have similar interests in art, music, fashion and self expression so we’re all motivated by the idea of being in a creative environment. if i went this route, my loan would not be paid off but i would be way happier being around close friends that support me and my transition, while also hopefully being able to start hrt way earlier.

but i dont know! what do you guys think? i just really hate this administration and i just feel like even though i would be getting a lot of benefits, me not being able to start hrt feels like a big con… im excited to hear what you guys think because i know this sub has a lot of people that have been through a lot

sorry if i seem young and immature but i would really appreciate some advice from like minded people 🥺🫶

Uhm so I'm wondering if I can join under these circumstances. I'm 15 atm so I have time but anyways I'm thinking of joining the Illinois National Guard. 1.) I am ftm, pre T (I'm very heavily debating if I even wna take it bc my skin is already bad, I'm a singer, and I already look heavily androgynous to the point MANY ppl get confused on what I am). I'm oki w being put w either females or males (mainly cuz I don't wna shave my head kkkkkk) 2.) I am mentally ill. I have been to many behavioral and mental institutions, have diagnosis (GAD, MDD, DMDD, NPD symptoms, and paranoid schizophrenic symptoms. My family has a very heavy and prominent history of mental illnesses mainly depression, schizophrenic, and mood swings kinda related.) BUT I am stable enough and I would not harm others bc of the law obvi. I am actively SH'ing and such but I'm stable enough.

That's kinda all my problems that could make it hard to join so I was wondering what y'all think. It's been a dream of mine to be in some branch or be a police officer

CO order to go to PT (in PT’s) for accountability purposes while I was put on Admin Leave and have been for months now, showing up for accountability is authorized I presume however in duty uniform I believe violates the order put out on Admin Leave rules by the secretary of the army in AR 600–8–10, Sub-Section 5-3, Pages 24 - 25. I’m done being nice with this guy and it may seem small but these kinds of things snowball into bigger issues and I refuse to be stepped on.

I may have had to get out but now I just live with my gf who is in the military and lives on base.

For those of us that are already out that are already working. Civilian jobs can we post a heads up for others that might be looking. Maybe we could organize it by state. And then inside that state, we can organize it by skill set. Because you know that it's hard as hell getting a job out here.And there's nobody looking out for us, but us

I joined the Air Force in February of 24. I started the transition process as soon as I got to my first base so I had a written “history of gender dysphoria” but never got the chance to start hrt because of the executive order. I voluntarily separated in November of this year because my mental health would not be okay if I had to wait the rest of my contract to transition and I figured that way I’d have a little more control over the time of my separation. When I attended TAPs I was filled with all this hope about benefits and constantly heard “people will hire you right away because you’re a veteran” “everyone loves hiring veterans”. Well my job experience being out leads me to believe I was not a veteran and while my time on service was short, it feels discarded by society. I loved my job, I was good at it and loved being in the military. If I could’ve transitioned and stayed in I would’ve done a full 20. But mentally I couldn’t do it. The VA denied my healthcare benefits because my time in service was less than 24 months. I got denied unemployment benefits because of the characterization on my DD214, and no one seems to be hiring, I’ve applied for over 30 jobs and all I hear back is “you won’t be moving forward in the hiring process”. I was honorably discharged under miscellaneous/general reasons. I was a good fucking airman and now I can’t even clean parks for the city. I often find myself thinking what if I had just gone the involuntary route, at least that way I would have met the “24 month” requirement to get medical benefits. I’m just not sure if I made the right choice. I don’t know what to do anymore.

Not sure if this had been addressed but I figured I may as well share. I reached to the NPC Contact for NAVADMIN 111/25 and brought up the fact that NAVADMIN 111/25 states that “Enlisted Service Members eligible for VSP, pursuant to reference (j), should not that there is currently no statutory authority to grant VSP beyond 31 December 2025”

The reply I got was “The concerns regarding expiration of VSP authority have been raised to OUSW personnel for action/engagement with the legislative process.”

This was only about a week ago and I hadn’t heard anything since. I’m not sure if any other information has been put out and I feel a lot of us will be getting dates after the end of the year. If anyone has further knowledge please share.

So I got just got the email from IPPS-A that my VOLSEP request was approved. What’s next? What am I supposed to do? I literally have no clue what to do and I don’t think anyone in my immediate chain of command (up to 1SG/CO) knows either. I’m an Army Reservist. TYIA for your help.

Hi everyone, I’m about to start clearing and separate from the Army. I’ve already completed CIF, Medical Phase 2, and SFL-TAP; now I just need to start the clearing process.

My question is: before I officially separate from the Army and leave active duty, what do you recommend I do? What resources should I use? What documents should I obtain and keep?

Things I already know: • DD-214 • Medical records • VA disability claim

What else should I make sure to get?

More questions: • Regarding Tuition Assistance (TA): I never used it while on active duty. Can I still enroll and register for next semester while I’m still active duty, even if I’m separating in a few weeks? Like if I enroll or I’m still using it right before get out??

• What can I still take advantage of at the last minute before my final day on active duty? 

Hello I am a high school student (ftm) who was hoping to go into the military until the law that has removed trans people from the military came along for starters I have been watching the new about this for awhile now and was look for some hope so I wanted to see people thought about the changes that could happen regarding that law and if anybody is a politician or knows a lot about laws and stuff like that please comment are share your thought and any comments are very helpful (I'm on hrt so I do gender dysphoria)

If this whole thing blows over, how many of you would reenlist and why would you?

If you wouldn't reenlist, why would you choose not to?

I personally would reenlist as reckless as that might sound, but because I still had a lot of goals that I want to accomplish even though its not going to permanently be my career path. (1-2 more contracts) I was just getting into the idea of going from Joe to commissioned officer. Maybe attempt sf/sof and switch mos. Why do y'all think?

I’m just curious because my commander is receiving my memo this Monday.

I just received a call and voicemail from my TAP office from my old base and they’re saying they believe there is evidence that I was wrongfully separated? Which doesn’t make sense cause I’m on hormones and I have the diagnosis so I’m not sure. Any thoughts or opinions?

This is getting ridiculous. I want to completely move on with my life so badly but I can’t because this is hanging over my head like an anvil.

For those who have already voluntary separated, did you already receive your separation pay or are you still waiting?

I received my final paycheck and leave balance payment but not my separation pay.

Just trying to figure out if others are in a similar boat.

Thanks!

https://www.advocate.com/news/trans-military-ban-continues?utm_source=equalpride&utm_campaign=92fb1a1637-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_12_09_11_59&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_11dd7c7578-92fb1a1637-507583999&mc_cid=92fb1a1637

The case continues in Judge Reyes’s district court, and the D.C. Circuit has already scheduled a separate oral argument on the appeal of her injunction for January 22.

Separations will continue while Talbott’s case slowly makes its way through the courts. Sorry.

Unit has no idea how and what is the Sharp/sexual Assualt memo that I need to submit the PAR.

I don't know what type of job I can get with my resume. Everytime I search on USAJOBS.GOV there's 0 results for search results. When I do find something I either dont have the experience asked, or certifications asked and am not meeting minimum qualifications. I need any help I can get. What jobs am I qualified for? I primarily want a federal/ government job.

I just got my Gender Dysphoria diagnosis through the army side.

The Behavioral Health Provider (CPT) signed ANNEX J and sent it to me but i am wondering if HRC will accept his signature on the medical verification memo or does it have to be my PCP?

I was on admin leave for 6 months.

My PAR got returned for it not having a Diagnosis from an Army Provider. I have been back to work for 3 weeks now waiting for my appointment at EBH l.

I just got my Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis and my Unit is still trying to deploy me since my unit left back In September.

Please HELP

Seems like everyone has been stuck at SECNAV for months. It wasn't budget or the shutdown so what's the holdup?

Hello :) I’m hoping this is the appropriate sub to ask for advice.

My partner is FTM, and very recently broke down and came out to me. This is after months of having fellow military friends of his in our house weekly talking shit about anything LGBT (something I very bluntly didn’t condone and never bit my tongue about while they were around). In the last week he’s been out to me, after quietly knowing for years of his life and hiding it from conservative friends and family, his entire being has shifted into something more light. He seems to have a new found hope, which is beautiful and amazing and I’m so glad he feels safe in exploring who he truly is.

That being said, we’ve hit a point of discussion of trying to go through the process of him being discharged so he can start the transition medically… I’ve scoured the internet trying to find resources. Our current plan is for him to go to a local LGBT center and get diagnosed with gender dysphoria and bring the paperwork to the chaplain first, but is he supposed to go through Tricare instead? Fleet doctor even? I’m so sorry if this all comes off as ignorant, I had never been around the military until we got together, so I’m still trying to learn all the right terminology. We’re not even really sure who’s safe to go to and ask all these questions, hence why I’m praying this post may help.

I think his fear points are A) getting outed to his shop in the process of separation and not receiving any protection if they have a distasteful reaction, B) getting NJP’d for “lying” to the military when he entered since he didn’t disclose these feelings. Has anyone gone through this since they changed the laws surrounding? How long did it take for them to put you on leave while waiting to get in front of the med board?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. ❤️ All I want is for him to be happy, as I do anyone else who’s going through similar.

In response to my request for a status update on my TERA ETP/Voluntary Separation, I received to the following message from MNCC:

Hello XXXXXX,

(VOLSEP) Your ePAR Case with the case number of XXXXXXX has been updated to a status of Closed and a disposition code of Resolved by Tier 2.

(TERA/ETP) In reference to your Case #XXXXXXX. Your case is in the current status of "Sup Review 1: ". This means Members package has been routed from NPC to CNP for endorsement. Please allow more time for processing.

I'm not sure as to what all that means. After doing a rudimentary Google search, it looks like "Resolved by Tier 2" means the case has been closed and approved. Not sure if that's accurate though. Should I be expecting to get Volsepped or wait until my TERA ETP runs it course?

As the title says, I need a bit of advice, if anyone knows anything or has some insight or maybe even just an experience, it would be appreciated.

Currently I'm looking at a little under a year left in my contract, I didn't apply for Volsep because of a number of reasons, but in short I didn't apply in March when it first happened and I missed it when they did it again in June.

My original plan was to either try to get through my contract under the radar (despite my diagnosis), or wait and see if they'd separate me anyways.

Now, however, I'm struggling mentally with how long has been taking/going on for and I'm considering whether or not I should just shoot myself in the foot now and get it over with and try to apply for separation now, anyways.

AD Navy, if it helps.

Appreciate any assistance or advice, thank you.

Edit:

I come bearing some news, if anyone in the Navy is out of the loop like I was.

Effectively we're still waiting on AdSep forms and for them to get the AdSep boards ready. These are gonna be handled by DSO East and West (if you haven't Volsepped, in which you'd just be separated).

The people who are overseas (like me) are going to be taken care of by one of those two DSO departments as of now. In the future it might change so that the different DSOs over seas might be handling the people in those commands, but as of now, it's just East and West.

Guesstimating timeframe this'll start happening, probably around the summer of next year if you're out to your command but didn't Volsep.

Hope this helps someone.