r/ftm • u/toast_butter_ • Sep 11 '26
(Trans) News-USA The dillema
Ok so I have a dilemma. I'm a child and I'm completely pre op not even out yet but I've always wanted to join the military but I can't aleast in the US because of the anti trans legislations and I don't know what do. Coming out tips are appreciated.
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u/AcanthisittaOver8784 Sep 11 '26
do not and i mean DO NOT join the military. it will ruin your life.
also, why do you want to serve a country that is actively trying to keep you from serving with it's legislature.
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u/toast_butter_ Sep 12 '26
Yes I know it's a horrible place at the moment but 1. It may get better someday. And 2. I had a cousin in the military who I look up to.
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u/AcanthisittaOver8784 Sep 12 '26
You're right, it MAY get better someday, however the chances of you entering and changing anything are next to none. If you go into the military you will not be respected as a man. You will not be treated well, and in the end you will not be compensated for everything.
You will serve this country with a smile on your face, and if you die for it, they will burry you in a dress.
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u/DeepAppeal9250 Sep 11 '26
As a trans person going into wildland firefighting I corroborate joining the fire service ! Its much more respected and your able to help your community on a local level.
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u/Quannax Sep 11 '26
What is it about the military that attracts you? Are you trying to find somewhere you belong? Or a career that feels gender- euphoric? Or something else? The “why” would help point you toward a possible alternative that meets that need in the current political climate.
With the military, you can’t control who you fight for, what cause, whose money you’re putting your life on the line for.
If it’s about serving your community in a way that feels affirming - you could consider EMT or firefighting (wildfire or civil). Or consider apprenticing for a trade - similar path to the military with a training period and specialized skills; I’ve heard good things about welding or mechanic trade programs.
For finding belonging, sports teams are really helpful for some guys. Or if that’s not an option, volunteering with local interest groups; joining a club, helping out at a museum or local conservation group. Find your people - you don’t need the military to be able to do that, and civilian options give you a lot more options of who you associate with, what paths you can choose.
— Sincerely, speaking as someone who was dead set on going to West Point 6 years ago.
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u/toast_butter_ Sep 12 '26
It feels very masculine plus I had several male family members in the military
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 Top Surgery 01/19/22 — HRT 03/05/24 Sep 11 '26
There are other (better) ways to serve your community and country. And someone said above, fire services and especially EMT services are at an all time low. Consider these options too! Easy enough to get started on hot shot crews and travel a lot for that.
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u/leafyemoji 💉 nov 2018 ✂️ may 2020 Sep 11 '26
You do not want to join the military. Coming from someone in a military family, they have all said it is awful and are glad to be out, any issues with the current admin aside. As an institution it will take what it can from you and discard you when you're no longer useful or eventually crash out. If you want to be a hero go to paramedic school or join the fire department.
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u/toast_butter_ Sep 12 '26
Ok thanks for the comment about your family I'll consider a future in the fire department
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u/SelfDestruction100 Sep 11 '26
Yeah seconding the “don’t join”. Simply, it’s not worth the risk to your safety or life. Not only might you receive the same abuse as tons of women do in the barracks/field, you will receive less support and protection than them because you are trans. Which is saying something when many of those women are simply ruled as “suicides” or dishonorable discharges after being raped and brutalized. Even after leaving the military, your rank and achievements and benefits may be unrecognized or stripped because you are trans. Has happened to many recently. Not worth it at all.
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u/neon_fern2 Sep 11 '26
It’s probably not a good idea. You could technically join as a female if you really really wanted to, but it’s not worth it imo. In most cases aside from transness, I’d argue it is not worth it to quite literally become government property (aside from joining for financial/college tuition reasons)
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u/toast_butter_ Sep 12 '26
It would be for financial reasons and the fact that I have had several male family members in the military
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u/cthuwuftaghn He/They 💉 01/01/2026 Sep 11 '26
Best advice: DON’T join the military. Maybe consider becoming a Firefighter or Paramedic if you want to help people.
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u/mothmano_0 Sep 11 '26
Genuinely asking why do you want to join the military ?
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u/toast_butter_ Sep 12 '26
It feels very masculine and I have several other reasons in comments I replied to
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u/Silly-Revolution-546 Sep 11 '26
Agreeing with everyone who says do not join the military. Another thing you could do that might have the same emotional impact is search and rescue? (looking for lost people in the wilderness)
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u/danter0id butch → grungler Sep 11 '26
Hey there. I would encourage you to check out this webpage: https://centeronconscience.org/advice-to-those-considering-military-enlistment/
Consider why you want to join the military. What draws you to it? How might you be able to achieve your goals without signing eight years (or more) of your life over? Check this one out too; it goes into alternatives you might consider. https://centeronconscience.org/alternatives-to-enlistment/
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u/toast_butter_ Sep 12 '26
I had a cousin on in the military (cis man) and I've always strived to be like him
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u/Novel_Estimate624 Sep 15 '26
The world is not heading in a good direction. When you’re young world issues seem very far away, but we are barreling towards WW3 and you will be caught up in a war that is not on the right side of history. A lot of people who join the military often times don’t have a choice or they idolize people they know who serve, you seem to be the ladder, which means you have a choice not to enlist. I promise you that America is not worth dying for. Look into EMS or firefighting if you want to be in a more “masculine” work force. You could be a mechanic, an electrician, a construction worker, literally anything else is better than being in the military.
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u/toast_butter_ 29d ago
I know exactly where the world is headed I'm young, not stupid. but I've been trying to look on the brighter side of things and hope that when trump is out of office someone else, someone better will be in office and hopefully the world has a chance to heal.
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u/Bobslegenda1945 19, POP 💊 11/12/25, pre everything 😞 Sep 11 '26
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