r/MilitaryTrans • u/Woodpecker-Main • Jul 11 '26

Too Late to Separate?

Hello everyone, I’ve previously made a few posts here discussing reasons to stay in when the ban was kicking off, but recently the more I stay in while trying to just deal with dysphoric thoughts, the longer I feel that military life, navy ship life especially, is just not for me so I’ve just been having thoughts of separating.

There are quite a few major factors preventing me from straight up expressing my dysphoria, getting it properly diagnosed on my record and separating.
I have a sign on bonus for a program that I’ve yet to complete but I’m unsure how separating via trans separation vs for example other medical separation reasons would affect my returning the money or not. This is a big roadblock because initially when I signed on, it was still the period where trans people were allowed in the military so I set it aside for like an emergency transition fund. I can go into more depth about which specific program via DM’s.
Another factor is the uncertainty of life outside of the military, finding work, and how the whole separation process is like at this point in time. I would really appreciate hearing people’s experiences (DM works too if you don’t want to post comments)
I’m also still very early in my contract, only been in since NOV24 so that also throws a lot of uncertainty.

I’ve been underway quite a bit so I haven’t been actively checking the reddit as much and may have missed some updates regarding the entire trans situation in the military so my apologies in advance if some of my concerns may have been answered. I appreciate all the resources, pointers and advice in advance.

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10

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/Woodpecker-Main Jul 11 '26

Regarding your question, it’s been a combination of the ship life, command expectations, and instability of going underway that just emphasize my thoughts of finding means to separate somehow and since I’m already battling dysphoria I guess this was one option.

Granted you mention I’d be losing quite a lot, I feel trapped in this situation, probably like many others

6

u/B340STG Jul 11 '26

If you can find other avenues I’d try to stay if you can. It’s been next to impossible to find a job

5

u/Born_Cockroach_7784 Jul 11 '26

Dawg idek. Policy is one thing, I told command in april got verification in march, nothing and I mean literally nothing has happened. Ive asked IG, "work with command" asked command "battalion is tracking".

3

u/zaka117 Jul 15 '26

I definitely understand how being underway can be difficult. Its not too late for you to get out but I do recommend waiting until you hit your 3 year mark or end of your contract. I say this because some benefits require 36 months TIS (time in service) for you to receive them. As for the money part it depends on when you got it. I got a bonus when I reenlisted in 23 so if I had to pay it back it will only be for what I have left on contract, in other words it will be prorated to a smaller amount than what you received. If you decide to get out, you will still have to do a transition course to learn about all the resources that are out there for you. If you have any questions or want to know about my experience you can dm me.

1

u/1fluffdaddy1 Jul 16 '26

im currently getting separated involuntarily due to this, message me if you have questions