It is Time to Rescind Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Abstract

Any reasonable person could argue that homosexuals have served in the U.S. military throughout our history, many with distinction. The difference throughout history is the way the government and military departments have handled the issue. In 1993, President Bill Clinton acting on a prior campaign pledge started the process to replace the existing policy on homosexual military service. The resulting controversy led to passage of a law commonly known as "Don't ask, Don't tell" (DADT). This research project will provide a historical perspective of homosexuality and military service and the process leading up to DADT. The research project will cover several of the controversial issues such as comparing and contrasting this issue with racial integration in the military in the 1940s and 1950s as well as use other nations' recent experiences as they changed their policy as it relates to homosexual service. In the end, based on current public and military opinion, military needs and the fact that there is no credible evidence that homosexual military service degrades unit morale, cohesion or effectiveness, the recommendation is Don't ask, Don't tell be rescinded and replaced with a new policy allowing homosexual military service.