Transgender active-duty service members must decide whether to leave the military on their own or be forced out by Friday under the 30-day deadline announced last month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a life-altering decision that those interviewed by The Hill said is nearly impossible to make.

“It’s crushing,” said Commander Emily “Hawking” Shilling, who has served in the Navy for almost two decades. “It’s heartbreaking.”

A naval aviator with 60 combat missions under her belt, Shilling oversaw a staff of about 200 people before she requested voluntary separation last month and was placed on administrative leave. In her latest fitness report, Shilling’s commander described her as an “inspiring leader” with “boundless energy” and “unmatched enthusiasm.”

“People excel under Hawking’s l

See Full Page