Stehlik, who has been in the military since she went to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2004, transitioned in 2017, while serving in the Army. She said that for her and others who haven’t hit their 20-year retirement milestone, being kicked out would mean a major loss of benefits, including a pension and health insurance.

The Defense Department is giving transgender service members who haven't come forward 30 days to self-identify.