How many of you have been in the military?

[Valentina_Rossi]

Hi!!!

Reading some of the threads lately, and some of your biographies, I was struck on how many of us have been in the military in one way or another. In my particular case, I had to do mandatory military service in my home country - and I hated every second of it. Part of our "training" was to dig up trenches in scorching heat in the desert (48C or more) and then to fill them up... a mindless, futile task that encompasses for me the full experience.

Of course, the military is one of those things that are "manly", at least in stereotype. Do you think your experience in the army of your respective countries had something to do with your dressing? Maybe as a reaction to it, or as an "antidote"? I would also be curious if you volunteered or were conscripted.

Super thanks for any experiences you might like to share,

Love love,
Val

[SaraLin]

I volunteered - more to avoid the risk of being drafted than anything to do with gender issues. Also I got training (computers) I couldn't afford on my own.

For the most part, I managed to put my girly feelings 'on hold'. They didn't go away by any means, and I envied the WAC's (women's army corps, in case you aren't familiar with the term) and their uniforms, but I survived.

[alwayshave]

I was in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, keeping Massachusetts safe from invasion by Rhode Island.

[faithricd]

Jamie, I was in the Rhode Island Air National Guard, preparing for a secret mission dubbed “The fall of Fall River”. I’ve been out for a while now, but I believe they are still planning it. Lol. ��

[Sherrii]

I was in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, keeping Massachusetts safe from invasion by Rhode Island.

As someone who lives in R.I. I doubt if R.I. could get it together to invade anything, you have no worries.

I was in the navy for 4 years. I don't know if I would have joined if the draft wasn't hanging over me. I did learn a lot and see a lot, mature a bit, not too much fun while in but looking back I consider it a good experience. And now I can feel that I have done my part to help protect the U.S.A. and keep us free. And that is a good feeling. Sherrrii

[NancySue]

Proudly served 6 years in the United States Air Force. I had a top secret clearance in intelligence.

[Nikkilovesdresses]

I was in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, keeping Massachusetts safe from invasion by Rhode Island.

Ah yes, the notorious Rhode Island Reds. Where is McCarthy when you need him.

[JoanneB]

I was in the Navy in the early 70s. I dressed before I went in but obviously could not dress while in especially while on a ship. I went to motels on the weekends that I didn't have duty. I was not drafted-I volunteered.

[StarrOfDelite]

I am a veteran, but was unaware of my duality when I was in the military service. I was very macho all during young adulthood and early married years, high school and college varsity athlete, Marine Corps officer 0302 MOS, even am adept at boxing and Tae Kwon Do. didn't realize I was a male-to-female transgender person until I was a mature adult, and had been out of the armed forces for at least fifteen years. Looking back I can see specific incidents where my inner self was "shining through," during my youth, but I never made the connection because not only were homosexuals and lesbians a forbidden topic, the word transgender had hardly been invented. My brain was being stimulated in different ways than most of my contemporaries, but because nobody knew about such things, and definitely no one discussed them, I never realized it. Edit: Forgot to answer the question: I was a volunteer, there was no draft when I joined.

[Alice Torn]

I joined the Air Force in 1975, was in until June 76. Honorable discharge. Was talked into getting our at age 22, by a religious group. I regret not doing my four yrs. I experimented with my mom, and sister's things at age 14. Stopped, but it came back at times, and i ordered pantyhose mail order now and then. 2002, it took off bigtime. Never got to have a SO(, or wife. 64 now, trying to not let it take over my whole life, as I have some mental and emotional disorders.

[susann_gardener]

I was in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, keeping Massachusetts safe from invasion by Rhode Island.

When were you in? 68-74 in 102 Atty.

[Stephanie Julianna]

I was in the New York Army National Guard. I was a Tank Crewman (11E10). Did my Basic and AIT training at Fort Knox, KY in the summer of '71. I served from 1970-'76 ending my last 2 years in the Connecticut Guard. Being a pacifist it was the only way for me to do my service requirement without having to kill anyone. Being a tank crewman I did learn how to kill many people at one time but the worst I ever did was kill some moles that were probably living in a hillside that I blew away during target practice with the 105 mm cannon in Upstate New York. I will say that over the years I have come to admire and respect the guys who volunteered or were drafted. and served our country. I have a cousin who was caught up in the Tet Offensive in Vietnam and another in the Navy. My wife lost a cousin in Nam as well. As a Hospice Nurse I have taken care of many Vets who served in Vietnam as well as some who died with melanoma from Agent Orange. These guys were truly victims of the war as much as the heroes who died in combat. I salute them all for their service.

[Aunt Kelly]

Doubtless, we marched many of the same roads at Ft. Knox, Stephanie. Did basic there a few years after you. Then AIT and the rest of my hitch at Ft. Sam Houston. 91B. Some day, maybe, I will share my "closest call" story, which happened during that time.

[Barbara Black]

I volunteered into the U.S. Army. I wasn't going to be drafted anyway though. I was 'this close' to being sent to Viet Nam. I found out that I didn't care for the service quickly, but finished my three years anyway. My crossdressing was limited to a pair of panties during the first part of my tour. Only at night and while we were in the barracks.

[Leslie Mary S]

Yep, 1962 - 1982 retired USAF. Then went to work as a Civil Servant for the army for 23 years.
First 3.5 years in the AF I was a paramedic. I cross-trained into Secure Communications Equipment Maint. Even was an instructor for Equipment for 3 years. The Civil Services job was the same as the AF job.
At the time, Cross-dressing was a small thing I did off duty and the family were gone.

[PaulaJeanette]

38 years total service in USAF--active and reserve forces. Enlisted in 1968 ahead of receiving a soon to arrive draft notice. Served 9 years as enlisted member before attending OTS and receiving commission. Enjoyed remaining 28 years as commissioned officer. While overseas during Viet Nam War, dressing was far from my mind and did not return until being back home. From then on, enjoyed lingerie in the evenings in privacy of my room. Retired in 2006.

Being a transvestite/crossdresser was a punishable offense under the UCMJ which would have led to discharge.

[Sidney]

Well I volunteered to avoid the draft in the United States back in 1968 and wound up spending the next 21 years in the U.S. Army. Have had the opportunity to visit 27 countries, some for pleasure, some for duty. Lived 18 years with my family in Europe and Japan. My Sidney side did not surface until I was in my late fifties so was not an issue while in was in the Army and my service did not affect my feminine side one way or the other. I and my family did enjoy the travel and other cultures.

[Lacey New]

Army, Infantry 73 to 78. Glad I served, even happier to get out.

[Valentina_Rossi]

Hi!!!

Thanks again for all your answers!! I really appreciate the time you took to write...

@Michelle: I guess it is good that your wife knows, and at least tolerates it. I can understand is she does not want to see you like that. I hope you have reached some equilibrium in your relationship wrt your dressing.

Cherylgyno: Did your mom give you female clothes? I am sorry, I was not sure if that is what is implied. If so, Wow!!!! And I guess in your therapy, what the question your doctor is asking is if you would extirpate that part of yourself... I know that would not want to give up my femininity. Thanks for sharing, you give me a lot to think

Thank you *so* much for your thoughful answers and PMs.

Love love,
Val

[RaeK]

US Air Force in the mid-1950s.

[Stacy Darling]

Invited to join, and accepted the invitation.

I don't believe that it had any effect on my dressing, but that I will never know?

[Roxanne Lanyon]

I worked for the U.S.Army for 30 years, Europe: 11 years, Deployed to Desert Storm, then Bosnia, and finally pentagon. I was a civilian employee all of the time.

[Linda E. Woodworth]

Veteran themes have been asked in the past.

For me 26 1/2 years US Navy both active and reserve.

My desire to serve had nothing to do with my desire to dress.

[Sherri_Christopher]

I served in USAF, 1974-79. I swore the oath four days after graduation from HS, against the advice of my parents, uncles, guidance counselor and even my boss at the restaurant I worked. They were all wrong and I had a good service experience in a great AFSC, 25251A. My first duty station was at a base in the Central Coast of California, a truly beautiful place in the USA, and then three years in Deutschland. I got to travel all over Europe! I almost made it a career, but seeing the Air Force was all I knew in my adult life, I decided to separate and was Honorably Discharged. I was still finding myself back then, but a girlfriend left her silky nightgown behind and I'd often wear it and sleep in it. I lived off base on the economy, so it was pretty safe to wear the nightgown.

[Mandy T]

11 years Air Force. It had nothing to do with my dressing