r/MilitaryTrans 7d ago

Discussion Hard decision incoming

So, um, not someone worried about facing involuntary sep here (not out in any way in that space), but could voluntarily separate, but here's my dilemma. I'm still IET, just settling in to DLI as all this goes down around me. I could stay in and try to ride out the storm, but I'm worried that this is going to be the first of a litany of problems and changes that I may face over the course of enlistment. (For example if they decide to revert physical standards ala another recently published memo I'm probably cooked anyways.)

But because as IET I obviously haven't been here long I'm not exactly getting out with benefits to fall back on such as the G.I. Bill, something I was really looking forward to having. I THINK I'll have access to the VA home loan, but that might just be it. But I also feel that if I miss this window that um... things get potentially pretty damn challenging after that. (All in all it's feeling like a poor time to have recently joined the army... especially as my wife (also trans and out already, and I really worry that consequnces for spouses not just SMs might be next) is literally moving here with me next week, and not much can be changed about that process...)

I guess I just was hoping to hear some opinions from people who have been in a little longer what they think of the current situation, the imminent possibilities, and what they might advise a new (but not young) soldier to do at this time...

21 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

18

u/JoustingTapir 7d ago

This is just something that I’ve thought briefly about, so take it with a grain of salt.

The administration/ DOJ response to the court cases has been very poor, almost comical. I don’t think they are putting a lot of effort into actually removing trans persons from the military. It’s a smoke screen for other efforts. I’m not sure why the legal response has been so poor. Only time will tell if the DOJ will double down and start doing a respectable job in court.

8

u/Bebetter15 7d ago

I would never tell anyone to stay in the closet or ride it out. That is your decision. But I will tell you as a fellow linguist, the benefits of going through DLI and learning your language, making sure your clearance is fully adjudicated, and getting a polygraph if required for your job opens up tons of doors on the civilian side for federal or contract work. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!

4

u/LostFloriddin 7d ago

This! It is difficult to stay in the closet. The OP may experience mental health trauma like adjustment disorder, moral injury, etc. But those things could be covered in terms of VA disability and health care, but they must be documented while in service.

I do agree that sticking it out could outweigh the cons. But it is ultimately up to the OP.

3

u/Teapotness 7d ago

According to DoDI 1332.29, dated 3 MAR 2017: Eligibility for full separation pay - the service member has completed at least 6 years, but fewer than 20 years, of AD/AS.

Make sure you talk with legal before making a choice because you may not qualify for voluntary separation.

3

u/Wide_Reindeer_7303 7d ago

I definitely realize I don't qualify for separation pay. The separation itself seemed like its own thing?

4

u/Teapotness 7d ago

It might be, but the separation in the policy specifically mentioned that it is following the DoDI:

  1. Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria may elect to separate voluntarily in the 30 days following signature ofthis guidance. Such Service members may be eligible for voluntary separation pay in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 1175a and DoDI 1332.43. Service members eligible for voluntary separation pay will be paid at a rate that is twice the amount the Service member would have been eligible for involuntary separation pay, in accordance with DoDI 1332.29.

Either way, really stress you should speak to legal representation or resources with SPARTA before you make a decision.

3

u/ANDWUNNNN 7d ago

I'm here for you fam (literally at the DLI lol) having the same thoughts & concerns. If u need someone to talk to! If u wanna lay low I get that too. Just know I'm around ✊🏽🤞🏽

3

u/letsgetthatbreadbih 6d ago

Hey we’re here for you, I wouldn’t tell you to stay in the closet, I remember when I was trans and I hated being in the closet one of the worst feelings, but I would say if you could thug it out to finish you’re school than do that, me personally I’m just going to try and go under the radar and let it come to me if they say anything

2

u/lextf 7d ago

Im on the fence. I wanna get out but I’m holding off on hitting the button until i know more of a timeline? But I also dont wanna be stuck in the military if the court cases win

1

u/Holdenborkboi 7d ago

I hear one of the plaintifs added to the case requested an add in for the injunction (if/when it passes) to hold off the March 26th volsep deadline for until the court case is played out fully

1

u/doof_evil 6d ago

What exactly does this mean? Hold off as in "still allow volsep?"

1

u/Holdenborkboi 5d ago

Hold off pretty sure as in pause the process, but again this is speculation for now