The troops, who mainly spoke on condition of anonymity because they fear reprisals, said being forced to decide is frustrating. They say it’s a personal choice based on individual and family situations, including whether they would get an infusion of cash or possibly wind up owing the government money.

The Trump administration wants transgender troops out of the military, and set a June 6 deadline to go voluntarily. Some have accepted; others vowed to stay and contest the ban.