How would you, as a leader, address a Service Member with gender identity issues?

As leaders, we're often forced into situations we either don't understand, or are ill-equipped to deal with. That said, the strength of the service is the readily available "brain trust." You don't have to be an expert on everything. No one expects you to be. Knowing where to find information, or who might have it is a far more valuable skill.

Simply put, a situation like this is well outside of my level of expertise, and should immediately be escalated to someone more qualified. My first thought is the Chaplain. In the USMC we have them at the BN level. They usually have an open door policy, or at least easy to make appointments.

Don't get wrong, I'd listen to the SM, but I have to escalate, because there are rules. Just like there were rules during the DADT era. Failure to report creates complicity. However using the Chaplain fulfills that requirement.

Basically take them down, sit down, explain the situation (fulfilling the reporting obligation), and then excuse myself so they can talk. Afterwards, follow up with the SM & Chaplain, and find out if they need anything else from me.

I simply wouldn't address it period. That's a personal matter in my opinion. However, if that Soldier were having depression, anxiety or any other medical condition I would refer them to a mental health professional just as I would any other Soldier.

I would give them all the support available to. However I would not suggest anything unless I'm recommending service agencies such as Chaplain, medical facility, behavioral health e.t.c. Tough topic that I'm not willing to lose my career over.

Wow, very hard question.
I would like to think that I would be able to give them the support and resources they need,and also explain the options they have.
But I have never been in that situation, so I can only guess and hope I would do the right thing

I would recommend that they also seek out professional/medical counseling to find out what options they might have.

As far as I know- all that can be done while they are in is to get counseling (Mental and Health) for the issue. Last I heard Army nor other services would foot the bill for any physical changes, and I'm not sure about the hormone shots. Also what about deployment issues?

Address them by their rank and name.

In the absence of Division or Base level assets specifically for this issue; I would tell them that they are outside my wheelhouse and suggest they speak to the Battalion Surgeon. I would also let them know that I, or the senior enlisted SNCO will make inquiries to determine what tailored assets are available on post and get back to them with an update in the next 3-5 days.

I would definetly recommend letting that person see a psychologist as this is a mental and physical condition. One third of transsexuals attempt scuicide.

Great video about a transgender dual-military couple: https://www.yahoo.com/health/senior-airman-logan-ireland-is-one-of-over-15 [login to see] 92272.html?soc_src=mags&soc_trk=copy