"I do not get the sense that anyone, at this phase in the war and looking forward to the upcoming transition, is looking for radically new perspectives on the conflict on Afghanistan but rather someone who will execute the transition already envisioned by the White House, " Mr. Exum said.

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Someone's decision to transition does not necessarily mean they are undergoing gender reassignment surgery, and in many cases they do not, said Mara Keisling, executive director of the Washington-based National Center for Transgender Equality.

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As someone who recently went through the transition process, and who advises companies on their plans, he says a leadership plan is the key to success.

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How someone fabricates a line of analysis that can transition from a mathematical examination of greenhouse effects all the way to policies for helping the poor still mystifies me.

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Also, having someone at home every night who was familiar made the entire transition and inevitable homesickness less arduous.

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"Chris has done fantastic since he converted to rugby union but it's looking at someone like that and how he picked things up and made the transition and follow in his footsteps, " he said.

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The Jets clearly think Coples will be able to make a seamless transition and be effective in a role that New York needs someone to step up in.

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People moved out of a job, who have allies or friends moved out of a job, see someone else getting a role they might have wanted, or see this transition as particularly important to their own success are all likely to be emotionally impacted by the announcement.

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