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On the morning of Feb. 26, I woke up, put on my boots and did my part to defend the people of the United States, just as I had done every day for the past 22 years of service in the military. I upheld my oath to the Constitution while meeting or exceeding all standards expected of me.
It's a story that was replicated thousands of times over by transgender service members who were preparing to deploy overseas, ensuring the cybersecurity of our networks and weapons systems, flying our nation's most advanced aircraft, or performing any of the countless other day-to-day tasks of the military that ensure deterrence or prepare us to prevail if deterrence fails. We have excelled in a system where promotion depended on merit.
By the time our day was done, we were faced with an artificial choice. A policy implementing the president's executive order that claims our gender identity conflicts with a "commitment to an honorable, truthful and disciplined lifestyle" said that we could leave quietly of our own accord or be pushed out under harsh restrictions. Our choice: Deny who we are or inflict harm upon our nation by creating dangerous gaps in our military readiness, today and tomorrow.
In reality, both outcomes would occur no matter what choice we take. If people were forced to revert to the standards they previously served under or -- for people who transitioned prior to joining -- a standard they never served under, the individual harm would be enormous. The policy could force people to lie to stay briefly employed; what honorable military forces deception upon its own troops? In essence, this is enforced conversion therapy to continue temporarily serving while the discharge process commences.
Burying oneself and constantly being on guard not to let slip who you really are takes a mental and physical toll. The difference between the person being their authentic self and putting up a façade prevents them from ever being the best they can be at the missions they've been assigned. It is hiding who we are that damages unit cohesion and capability, not living authentically.
In those who depart, the nation is deprived of thousands of highly trained, accomplished warfighters who have excelled in their role, leaving a massive hole in our national security.
People like Cmdr. Emily "Hawking" Shilling -- a naval aviator with two aircraft carrier deployments, 60 combat missions, more than 1,700 flight hours, and who has flown 21 different aircraft types -- are not replaceable off the street. It takes decades of experience and millions of dollars invested to create a leader like Emily.
Sgt. 1st Class Cathrine Schmid has served as an Army Signals intelligence analyst since 2005 and is a recipient of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Award, one of the most prestigious honors for an Army noncommissioned officer.
With five deployments, Jamie Hash's career has overflowed with accomplishment since she started as an aircraft armament technician in 2011. She was rated the No. 1 of 45 master sergeants on her way to selection for senior master sergeant, holds a master's degree, and has been a distinguished graduate of multiple professional military education courses.
Maj. Taylor Reeves is a logistics officer in the Marine Corps who ran an Afghan refugee camp after deploying with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In his spare time, he earned a master's degree from Harvard.
Leaders like Taylor, Jamie, Cathrine and Emily aren't just highly skilled modern warfighters, they are the leaders who are training and developing the next generation. Their abrupt departure wouldn't just weaken national security today, it would send ripple effects far into the future. Nor is it just about them; it's about the people they've served with who have come to trust their character and capability.
Will their siblings-in-arms still believe the military is the right place for them or will they also consider early departure? How does it affect military members with a transgender child? Will they stay?
The Defense Department's guidance on implementing the President's executive order says, "The medical, surgical and mental health constraints on individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are incompatible with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service." Yet, it fails to mention any physical or mental standard we don't meet.
Emily, Cathrine, Jamie and Taylor are just a few examples of transgender service members who meet or exceed all standards. They wouldn't be senior leaders if they didn't. This order judges them solely by their gender identity, not their performance, character or commitment.
Who might be next on the block if transgender service members are no longer found suitable for service? We also have to consider the pool of potential recruits for the military. With nearly 30% of Gen Z adults aged 18-25 identifying as LGBTQ+, can an all-volunteer force afford to alienate so many?
If these incredible patriots, who have dedicated decades of their lives in service to their nation are forced out, what's left? I'd argue they've left an incredible legacy due to their character. They've planted the seeds of a beautiful garden they may never get to enjoy.
In my favorite book on leadership, "Legacy" by James Kerr, he says character is "the impact you make when you're here, the trace you leave once you're gone." He continues, "Character rises out of our values, our purpose, the standards we set ourselves, our sacrifice and commitment, and the decisions we make under pressure, but it is primarily defined by the contribution we make, the responsibility we take, the leadership we show."
This is the legacy of transgender service members. Their character has left a mark that cannot be erased. Their example sets the stage for an inclusive future that values everyone for their merit and commitment. They may not get to grow old in the garden they planted, but future generations will benefit from it long after they are gone.
The fight is not over. It is likely that the discriminatory arguments against inclusive policies will collapse under the weight of their own contradictions. The future belongs to those who serve with character -- not those who govern with fear -- if we're willing to cultivate the garden.
-- Bree Fram is a colonel and astronautical engineer in the U.S. Space Force. She is stationed at the Pentagon leading requirements integration and is one of the highest-ranking transgender service members in the military.
