Tyler Billiet, Veteran U.S. Air Force

Tyler Billiet is an Air Force veteran and former Military Training Instructor (MTI) who is navigating the next phase of his military career. Originally from small-town Minnesota, he enlisted after college, serving as a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, a Base Honor Guardsman, and ultimately shaping the next generation of Airmen at Basic Military Training.

Tyler’s transition in uniform was a journey of policy, perseverance, and leadership. When he first came out, trans service members were in a gray area, with evolving regulations and no clear path forward. Determined to succeed, he memorized every memo and directive regarding transgender service, ensuring he followed policy to the letter while navigating PT tests, uniform changes, and medical care—often paving the way for others who would follow.

As an MTI, Tyler found purpose in training thousands of new Airmen, instilling discipline, confidence, and resilience. He became a role model for trans service members, showing that excellence and authenticity could coexist in the military.
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Now, after separating from the Air Force in 2023, Tyler is in the complex process of rejoining the military. The transition back to military life has been filled with setbacks, financial struggles, and soul-searching, but Tyler remains focused on the discipline, purpose, and camaraderie that first called him to serve.

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