Speaking to the US NBC News Today program, the 25-year-old soldier, who was born male, made a public statement saying she wishes to live out the rest of her life as a woman.

"As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. I am Chelsea Manning. I am a female," said Manning.

"Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible. I hope that you will support me in this transition."

Manning was sentenced to 35 years on Wednesday for charges including espionage and theft for leaking hundreds of thousands of documents to WikiLeaks while working in Iraq in 2010.

The statement continues, "I also request that, starting today, you refer to me by my new name and use the feminine pronoun (except in official mail to the confinement facility). I look forward to receiving letters from supporters and having the opportunity to write back."

It is signed Chelsea E. Manning.

Bradley Manning, shown dressed as a female in a handout from the US army, now wishes to be known as a woman called Chelsea.

The soldier's sentence is expected to be served at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, a facility for members of the armed forces sentenced to more than 10 years.

SHI/SHI