Bradley Manning wants to become a female

I know it's horrible, but my mum said he would be very popular in prison if he identifies as a female.

I'm confused about this quote though:

Why would gender-identity issues have anything to do with his performance in the army? and why should he have been removed? are they saying he should have been removed from his position because of it? or am I reading this wrong? (likely). If it is saying what I think it's saying, why is his DEFENSE saying it?

I was unsure of whether to call him "him" or "her" in this case, but I suppose he is still legally a man.

I think you got it right because that's not the only time he's used that argument, at least according to the article.

Weeks before his arrest, Pfc. Manning sent a photograph to an Army officer showing the young Army soldier dressed in makeup and a wig. In the email, titled "My Problem," Pfc. Manning confessed to his struggle with sexuality.

But who knows the details of his situation to tell whether or not his struggle is really troubling or just a lame excuse.