Armed Forces

[Jennifer Slater]

Hi ya,
Just curious if anyone served in the Armed forces? If you volunteered, were you happy with your decision? Did you regret joining for any reason? Did dressing influence your decision at all to join? Was not dressing a problem when you were in?
I volunteered for the air force. It was a good decision at the time. Naturally I missed dressing, but I did on leave. I've been out for over 30 years now with doing 3 1/2 years active duty. I got out early on an early-out-separation deal.
Look forward to hearing back from you
Love ya,
Jennifer

[SophyV]

I served in the US Navy. My Crossdressing tendencies were dormant at the time. This was the height of Don?t ask Don?t tell. I know of one person who was discharged because pictures of him dressed in lingerie were discovered on the Internet. But at the time it did not stir those surges I had him I was younger or that I have now.

[DianeT]

I did my year in French service like every male at the time. That is one year during which pantyhose remained in the drawers. These guys sure know how to wash away any shred of pink fog. Testosterones away! :)

[Stephanie47]

I served in the United States Army for two years. I volunteered for the draft which just meant my induction date was moved up one month. It was a choice between my brother or myself. He already had a good paying job and I was still searching for work after graduating college. The job market had tanked in 1969. Anyway, I ended up in the infantry in Nam. I was wounded twice. The second time I was medivaced back to the states. I did not regret my decision. It was either me or my brother. As it turned out, if I had not moved my induction date up I would not have been drafted.

While I was in the army I had zero thoughts about wearing women's clothing. I was consumed with surviving. I fit nicely into a "man's world." I ascribe to the concept my PTSD counselor espoused. She is of the opinion that each man and woman has some dna of the opposite sex. In some it is more than others. I find it easy to go through life as a man. I strongly believe my male dna components arose to the occasion during that period of my life. It's a little perplexing because since that time the female component asserts itself to relieve stresses from that time.

[Helen Waite]

21 years USAF. Dabbled some, but would have negatively impacted clearance if exposed.

[Jennifer Slater]

Thanks for sharing, Amanda

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I know exactly how you feel, Diane!

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I served in the United States Army for two years. I volunteered for the draft which just meant my induction date was moved up one month. It was a choice between my brother or myself. He already had a good paying job and I was still searching for work after graduating college. The job market had tanked in 1969. Anyway, I ended up in the infantry in Nam. I was wounded twice. The second time I was medivaced back to the states. I did not regret my decision. It was either me or my brother. As it turned out, if I had not moved my induction date up I would not have been drafted.

While I was in the army I had zero thoughts about wearing women's clothing. I was consumed with surviving. I fit nicely into a "man's world." I ascribe to the concept my PTSD counselor espoused. She is of the opinion that each man and woman has some dna of the opposite sex. In some it is more than others. I find it easy to go through life as a man. I strongly believe my male dna components arose to the occasion during that period of my life. It's a little perplexing because since that time the female component asserts itself to relieve stresses from that time.

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and personal experience, Stephanie. Thank you also for your service. I was not involved in combat. All the best to you!

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21 years USAF. Dabbled some, but would have negatively impacted clearance if exposed.

21 years Helen is quite a achievement. I often thought what would happen if I reenlisted, but i got out. I was so reckless at the time I got out that i'm sure I would have done something that would have worked out very stressful for me if I stayed in. My cross dressing was elevated at 22 after I trusted a girlfriend who eventually exposed me to my bestfriend who didn't know. Thanks also for your service and for sharing!

[Lana Mae]

USAF 1970-1974 After basic and tech school, to McGuire AFB for the rest of the 4 years! Not even a TDY! I was naive about all this and just did the "man" thing for those 4 years! I will confide they were my drug use years, pot and LSD and some meth! Not proud of it but it was part of my life! Have been straight since about 1977 or 1978! Virtual Hugs Lana Mae

[Denice]

4 years, 2nd Bn / 325th Abn Inf, 82nd Abn Div. 1981 - 1985

311787

Regrets? Yes and no. It was a thrill to be involved with an elite unit. But before I signed up for the Army I got a call from the Navy. They were super impressed with my science and math scores on the ASVAB test. Wanted to know if I would be interested in serving on a submarine, taking care of a nuclear reactor. I said I'd think about it. I went and talked to my uncle who was in the Navy. He laughed about the submarine business. "Sorry, kid, he was BSing you. Only those who've put some time in and proved themselves get submarine duty." I found out later I would have ended up on an aircraft carrier, which was pretty good duty, so I was told.
On the other hand jumping out of airplanes was a blast. Still, the Navy gig would have opened up some nice career opportunities when I was finished.

[Stacy L]

https://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?126564-Crossdressing-in-the-Military-and-almost-getting-caught&highlight=crossdressing+in+the+milatery

[Kelli_cd]

US Navy. I served just under 10 years. Dressing desires were very dormant during that time. It was a great decision at the time. Getting out near the 10-year mark was a difficult decision. But, the economy was booming and I was in a good field.
In some ways I regret leaving, mostly because I didn't experience life aboard ship. I had one rotation of sea duty and was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for 2-1/2 years. That was a great duty station. Lots of sailors complain about GTMO, but I took advantage of the many things to do there. I almost finished by Associates Degree. I did a lot of scuba diving. I rode horses, played softball, was on 2 bowling leagues. I could go on and on.

[mbmeen12]

Type in Veteran and hit enter.....and you will see many many more threads....amazing stories of service to their countries.

[SaraLin]

Army. - 72-76.
I did it to avoid the risk of getting drafted and being sent into combat (not something I could have handled.)
I also did it to get training in career skills.
I don't regret it. I was pretty much forced to do a lot of growing up in that time - something I needed. But four years was enough. Any more and I'd probably have gotten in trouble.

My feminine side was forced into the back recesses of my soul for that time. I was trying desperately to figure out what "normal" was and to BE it.
I guess it didn't work, huh?:heehee:

[alwayshave]

I was in the Army National Guard in Massachusetts. Dressing was not high on my list while in boot camp and advance training.

[NancySue]

Proudly, USAF....10 years. Occasionally, the pink fog would blow in, but left quickly...dire consequences if caught. Honorably Discharged..made up for lost time.

[Jennifer Slater]

I will look at your link Stacy...thanks for sharing

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Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Cuba, Kelli....I've never been there. People say its's lovely

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I will look up Veteran for more threads, mbmeen...thanks for sharing that

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Not alone there, SaraLin, I can assure you. Thanks for sharing!

[Leslie Mary S]

20 years 3 days in USAF. rarely did I dress. Security Clearance would have gone down the drain and then the job. Job required a high level clearance. After USAF I went to work for GSA and the Dept of Army for 23 years. Still needed the clearance. My travel restrictions have reduced greatly.

[Jennifer Slater]

I can understand why, alwaysshave. Thanks for sharing!

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10 years is a long time, Nancy! Thanks for sharing. Good 'ol pink fog! I know all too well.

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Thanks for sharing, Leslie. 20 years is a long time! Thanks for our service!

[Leslie Mary S]

Actually I think of myself of having been in since 1943. I was born to a Army Air Corp Father. I left military almost full in 2008. (65 years total) I still live near a military installation and use the military medical services.

[Dana3]

20 years United States Marine Corps 1975 ~ 1995.

For the most part as a Marksmanship Coach, Primary Marksmanship Instructor, Drill instructor at M.C.R.D. Parris Island, South Carolina (9 years total out of 20).

Initially 0311, Infantry, got out for 96 days, reenlisted into the 04 MOS (Logistics)

Dressing confined to the occasional here and there raiding the then wifes lingerie drawer and closet.

I believe in part I was attempting to deny, assert, earn, validate, prove, .........

My normalcy

My masculinity

Did the accompanying, seemingly required self deprecation, denial, loathing, purging, self contempt.

Picked up a nice little drinking habit attempting to drown and purge the "she in me" Guess what
Didn't and doesn't work.

Finally realized and figured out that a lot of my issues didn't stem from my having an attraction towards femininity, or feminine side, but due to suppression and denial of same. That a heavy handed social, cultural and religious conditioning in my youth (I'm from the Deep South)

[Jodi]

27 years US Army Combat Engineer

Jodi

[ambigendrous]

4 years, 2nd Bn / 325th Abn Inf, 82nd Abn Div. 1981 - 1985

311787

Another sky soldier! I was 1/504 back in 1971-73! I had an appointment to the Air Force Academy my senior year in high school but they rejected me because I was near-sighted. After high school I tried joining the Navy but they rejected me because I had a heart murmur. My draft lottery number was 8 and the Army didn't care about any health issues - if I could walk and breathe I was good!

[Laura28]

I was in the Massachusetts national guard as well. Army engineer.

[Jennifer Slater]

Good for you!

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20 years United States Marine Corps 1975 ~ 1995.

For the most part as a Marksmanship Coach, Primary Marksmanship Instructor, Drill instructor at M.C.R.D. Parris Island, South Carolina (9 years total out of 20).

Initially 0311, Infantry, got out for 96 days, reenlisted into the 04 MOS (Logistics)

Dressing confined to the occasional here and there raiding the then wifes lingerie drawer and closet.

I believe in part I was attempting to deny, assert, earn, validate, prove, .........

My normalcy

My masculinity

Did the accompanying, seemingly required self deprecation, denial, loathing, purging, self contempt.

Picked up a nice little drinking habit attempting to drown and purge the "she in me" Guess what
Didn't and doesn't work.

Finally realized and figured out that a lot of my issues didn't stem from my having an attraction towards femininity, or feminine side, but due to suppression and denial of same. That a heavy handed social, cultural and religious conditioning in my youth (I'm from the Deep South)

Wow! Thanks for your service and being so candid about your struggles, Dana. Thanks for sharing!

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Another sky soldier! I was 1/504 back in 1971-73! I had an appointment to the Air Force Academy my senior year in high school but they rejected me because I was near-sighted. After high school I tried joining the Navy but they rejected me because I had a heart murmur. My draft lottery number was 8 and the Army didn't care about any health issues - if I could walk and breathe I was good!

Thanks for sharing and your service, ambigendrous

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H Laura, That's some clever stuff. I was in supply mostly drove a truck or forklift. Thanks for sharing!

[Sissy_Michelle]

Jennifer,

I served in the US Army for 24 years. I knew I was a cross dresser and was curious about how far I could take it before I joined back in 84. More or less I boxed up my feelings, desires, and wants and asked myself what was more important. I retired in 2009.

I have no regrets about the time I spent in the Armed Forces. I did my job, did what was required, and did my best to bring everyone home. There were a couple of occasions where I was able to fully dress, during Carnivalie while stationed in Italia. I could not under dress because everything shows through a flightsuit.

@—}——
Michelle

[Jenn A116]

I was in for two years (actually a bit less) active duty 70-72. Drafted. 11B. Nam. Out and on with my life.

[Lea]

I served in the Army for three years.
Joined up for several reasons. Wanted to serve my country and my parents had a 18 years and one day rule. Once I was 18 year of age I had one day to get out of the house. Wanted to go to college and I wanted to be stationed in Germany.
It worked out well as I was out of the house at 18, became part of something I believed in, started college while on one of my bases and was stationed in Germany. While in Germany I was able to see the village and house my grandmother was born in and visit relatives.
My last unit I was occasionally able to partially dress. One night while doing laundry I noticed a ceiling tile out of place. While checking I found a skirt hidden on top of the tile. I fixed the tile but kept an eye on the skirt. When it did not appear to have been used anymore I washed it and wore it a few times. That was during my last year of service. During my first two years I only dressed when on leave once a year.

[char GG]

Please remember, this is the MtF section. Although the OP asked if anyone was in the armed forces, she also asked how it affected your need to dress. Please make sure your responses include that latter question.

If you wish to start a thread about being in the Armed Forces only, please do so in the Lounge.

[Jennifer Slater]

Jennifer,

I served in the US Army for 24 years. I knew I was a cross dresser and was curious about how far I could take it before I joined back in 84. More or less I boxed up my feelings, desires, and wants and asked myself what was more important. I retired in 2009.

I have no regrets about the time I spent in the Armed Forces. I did my job, did what was required, and did my best to bring everyone home. There were a couple of occasions where I was able to fully dress, during Carnivalie while stationed in Italia. I could not under dress because everything shows through a flightsuit.

@?}??
Michelle

Hi Michelle, Thanks for sharing and your service. I know how hard it is to box up your feelings. Good luck to you and stay safe!

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I served in the Army for three years.
Joined up for several reasons. Wanted to serve my country and my parents had a 18 years and one day rule. Once I was 18 year of age I had one day to get out of the house. Wanted to go to college and I wanted to be stationed in Germany.
It worked out well as I was out of the house at 18, became part of something I believed in, started college while on one of my bases and was stationed in Germany. While in Germany I was able to see the village and house my grandmother was born in and visit relatives.
My last unit I was occasionally able to partially dress. One night while doing laundry I noticed a ceiling tile out of place. While checking I found a skirt hidden on top of the tile. I fixed the tile but kept an eye on the skirt. When it did not appear to have been used anymore I washed it and wore it a few times. That was during my last year of service. During my first two years I only dressed when on leave once a year.

I'm sure you kept your eye on that shirt, Lea! I would too! I too was stationed in Germany right outside Kaiserslauturn. Thanks for sharing, darling!

[Rachelakld]

occasionally resorted to bra, pantyhose and leotard (it was the 80's) under my flight overalls.

Hated "barrack searches", probably happened every 4 months at the avionics training school.

Mum got a surprise when I went home on leave, rummaging through my kit bag for dirty laundry to wash :)

My 35th reunion, I added a few extra days for girl time while away from home.

[Leslie Mary S]

My military career and my cross dressing did not clash. I became a active cross dresser late in life (After I retired).

[RaeK]

USAF 1954-57. Joined up when I was 17, did't begin cding until later in life.

[Teri Ray]

30 years Navy. I did dabble in panties once in a while but no serious dressing. My dressing jumped into overdrive after retirement.

[Jennifer Slater]

occasionally resorted to bra, pantyhose and leotard (it was the 80's) under my flight overalls.

Hated "barrack searches", probably happened every 4 months at the avionics training school.

Mum got a surprise when I went home on leave, rummaging through my kit bag for dirty laundry to wash :)

My 35th reunion, I added a few extra days for girl time while away from home.

Very brave indeed, Rachel, with wearing clothes underneath your flight overalls. I'm sure your mum did have a surprise! i forgot to put away my moms black slip once and there it was on top of the tumble dryer. No one said a word. Thanks for sharing!

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30 years Navy. I did dabble in panties once in a while but no serious dressing. My dressing jumped into overdrive after retirement.

30 years! WOW! Thanks for your service, Teri. I'm sure you were just making up for lost time after your retirement. Good for you, darling, and thanks for sharing!

[Paula_56]

Me too exactly USAF

[abby054]

32 years in the Army, half active duty, half Reserve. I have two battle stars on my NDSM, a silver OLC on my Reserve medal, and a big number on my OSR. I never really did anything heroic, just rolled out of the sack early and did my duty every day for a long, long time. The month I left the Army, I joined the Navy to take a civil service position. I later served a year in the Air Force, also civil service. Two weeks ago, I received an invitation from Uncle Sam asking for volunteers for corona virus duty. At my age! I am not a medical specialty so I will wait to see what develops.

For civil defense, I just finished building a mask sterilizer for a local hospital and sent the plans to hospitals around the region. It takes 20 minutes to sterilize about 30 masks at a time using easily acquired components. The hospital took delivery yesterday.

I was usually too busy or married to a wife who is death on dressing until my last assignment on active Army duty. I was alone in my own quarters, stateside for that tour, and dressed a lot on weekends. I lived on base. No one noticed me going out the gate but I had to change in my car to drab to get back in. I dressed, lived off base, and was out and about a lot during my Air Force year.

[Victoria_Winters]

I am currently in the military. Being a CD had no impact on me volunteering. Since then I have always made time to CD in my life up till I got married where I pretty much stopped. I would on a very few occasions dress up when the wife was out and about. Now that I?m single I?m dressing g when ever I want to and starting actually doing drag shows.

[Jennifer Slater]

Thanks, Abby for sharing and your service.

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I am currently in the military. Being a CD had no impact on me volunteering. Since then I have always made time to CD in my life up till I got married where I pretty much stopped. I would on a very few occasions dress up when the wife was out and about. Now that I?m single I?m dressing g when ever I want to and starting actually doing drag shows.

Thanks, Victoria for being true to yourself and good luck with the drag shows! Stay safe!

[Stephanie Julianna]

Did my six years in the NY and CT Army National Guard 1970-76. Proud to say I was Cavalry, having trained at Fort Knox as a tank Crewman. Was only away from home for 4 1/2 months so no issues with staying away from dressing.

[Jennifer Slater]

Did my six years in the NY and CT Army National Guard 1970-76. Proud to say I was Cavalry, having trained at Fort Knox as a tank Crewman. Was only away from home for 4 1/2 months so no issues with staying away from dressing.

Thanks for sharing, darling and your service!

[cdinmd206]

US Army 2 yrs, 11 months,27 days, 13 hours and 24 minutes. Didn't count seconds cause i thought it trivial. For some reason I wrote down the the exact time I took my oath of office and I also recorded the time when they cut my ID card up (officially released fro m active duty) I had rather good time while I was in and I am where I am today because of serving. In basic training you wear the clothes the army issues you and you have no civilian clothes. At advanced training I kept stockings, garter belt and panties under the seat of my car and would wear them occasionally in remote areas of the base. I got married right after advanced training and went to Germany and wife came over 2 months later and we lived off base. I kept a nightie, and my garter belt, stockings and panties hidden in the apartment and wore them when wife was not at home. I occasionally would wear them under my uniform.
I had a very good female friend who knows of my cross dressing and who was in the navy. when she was stationed aboard ship she would store the cross dressers belongings with her stuff and when the ship pulled into port the guys would pay for a hotel room where they could be dressed and party for the duration of their shore leave.

[Jennifer Slater]

US Army 2 yrs, 11 months,27 days, 13 hours and 24 minutes. Didn't count seconds cause i thought it trivial. For some reason I wrote down the the exact time I took my oath of office and I also recorded the time when they cut my ID card up (officially released fro m active duty) I had rather good time while I was in and I am where I am today because of serving. In basic training you wear the clothes the army issues you and you have no civilian clothes. At advanced training I kept stockings, garter belt and panties under the seat of my car and would wear them occasionally in remote areas of the base. I got married right after advanced training and went to Germany and wife came over 2 months later and we lived off base. I kept a nightie, and my garter belt, stockings and panties hidden in the apartment and wore them when wife was not at home. I occasionally would wear them under my uniform.
I had a very good female friend who knows of my cross dressing and who was in the navy. when she was stationed aboard ship she would store the cross dressers belongings with her stuff and when the ship pulled into port the guys would pay for a hotel room where they could be dressed and party for the duration of their shore leave.

WOW! Amazing that amount of cross dressers trusted your female friend. She sounds terrific. Not just because she kept their stuff, but that she could be so trusted!. Thanks for sharing, Danielle.

[Leslie Mary S]

All you fellow military types I thank you for your service from a retired USAF TSgt.

[Katherine L.]

I was on active duty in the Army from 1977 to 2001 when I retired. Like all others at the time I was a volunteer as the draft had already ended. I never regretted my service, in fact, I consider it among the most important and rewarding experiences of my life. Serving in the Army never really impacted my crossdressing as it was always conducted in the privacy of my own home with the support and acceptance of my wife.

[Jennifer Slater]

I was on active duty in the Army from 1977 to 2001 when I retired. Like all others at the time I was a volunteer as the draft had already ended. I never regretted my service, in fact, I consider it among the most important and rewarding experiences of my life. Serving in the Army never really impacted my crossdressing as it was always conducted in the privacy of my own home with the support and acceptance of my wife.

Thanks for sharing, Katerine and for your service!

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All you fellow military types I thank you for your service from a retired USAF TSgt.

Thank you too, Leslie for your service!

[Brianne_M]

US Marine Corps 94-98. Didn't do much if anything at that time, didn't have as strong feelings as I do now. Once I got on the internet in 00-01 and I found Ebay, thats when things really started.

[Jennifer Slater]

US Marine Corps 94-98. Didn't do much if anything at that time, didn't have as strong feelings as I do now. Once I got on the internet in 00-01 and I found Ebay, thats when things really started.

Thanks for your service too, Brianne. Good to see you are happy!

[RADER]

I served in the U.S.Navy, Sea-bees, Vietnam Vet, 15 months in country.
Dressing was on the back burner then.
Rader

[Robin-in-TX]

I served 24 years in the Army. I wore my clothes when I could. The last 5 years or so I underdressed most of the time. As an officer and at that point in my career, it wasn't hard to do. Obviously, while deployed to Afghanistan, I didn't wear anything other than issue.

[Jennifer Slater]

I served in the U.S.Navy, Sea-bees, Vietnam Vet, 15 months in country.
Dressing was on the back burner then.
Rader

Thank you for your service, Rader!

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I served 24 years in the Army. I wore my clothes when I could. The last 5 years or so I underdressed most of the time. As an officer and at that point in my career, it wasn't hard to do. Obviously, while deployed to Afghanistan, I didn't wear anything other than issue.

Thank you also for your service too, Robin!

[Sherrii]

While I did enjoy a little dressing at the time I got by for my 4 years without, it developed more when I got out in 71. Being in the navy wasn't always fun but overall it was a good experience for me and I was able to save enough money to allow me to buy a cabin on a few acres and that allowed me to get a start with no mortgage, paying as I improved and added on. I and I know I did my part to keep us free and that is worth something to me. Sherrii

[Jennifer Slater]

While I did enjoy a little dressing at the time I got by for my 4 years without, it developed more when I got out in 71. Being in the navy wasn't always fun but overall it was a good experience for me and I was able to save enough money to allow me to buy a cabin on a few acres and that allowed me to get a start with no mortgage, paying as I improved and added on. I and I know I did my part to keep us free and that is worth something to me. Sherrii

That's good enough for me, Sherrii...thanks for your service!

[Jenny22]

2 years Navy, commissioned after NROTC and graduation Served at sea (Pacific) 1956-58 on a large combattent . In Yokosuka, I bought a beautiful black bra and panty set for my wife. One night, at sea, I put it on, then wondered what in the world was I doing!!! I risked court marshall. I took them off and threw them over the side to eliminate the temptation!

[Jennifer Slater]

2 years Navy, commissioned after NROTC and graduation Served at sea (Pacific) 1956-58 on a large combattent . In Yokosuka, I bought a beautiful black bra and panty set for my wife. One night, at sea, I put it on, then wondered what in the world was I doing!!! I risked court marshall. I took them off and threw them over the side to eliminate the temptation!

Thanks, Jenny for your service...I know all about temptation and risk. Good luck to you!

[Genni]

Thank all of you above for your service.

I enlisted in the Air Force less than a month after graduating high school (and about 3 weeks after I was married). That allowed me to support my wife while earning G.I. bill benefits. I lived off base most of the time, and would occasionally find time to dress up a bit. The Air Force was a great place to start, but crossdressing probably shouldn't be the priority when in any branch of the service. I did my 4 years and out.