A Death Knell for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Abstract
The U.S. military's so-called "don't ask, don't tell" policy prohibits homosexual personnel from serving openly in the uniformed Services. While no legislative action on the subject is expected anytime soon, the U.S. military--specifically the Joint Chiefs of Staff--will probably eventually be asked to testify before Congress about the impact of changing the law. If they believe the law should remain, they will have to offer compelling evidence of the deleterious effects repeal will have on the force or start preparing now for inevitable repeal. It would seem insufficient for the Joint Chiefs of Staff simply to contend that the current wartime footing argues against repeal at this time. That position might be right, but that contention will only delay repeal, not prevent it. If they state that there will be adverse effects on the force, but say they will nonetheless implement a change in policy and that the force will survive--which may be a reasonable view--they should expect to see the law repealed. The policy could remain in place, however, with objections on the grounds--if they can be proven--that integration of openly-homosexual individuals will break the fabric of the military and devastate its effectiveness as a fighting force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA514195
Entities
People
- John R. Martin
Organizations
- United States Army War College