Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal

September 20, 2011, marked the end of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which kept gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals undercover about their sexual orientation since 1993.

Under the administration of former President Bill Clinton, the DADT policy made it illegal for gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals to be open about their sexual orientation while serving. The DADT policy served as a protection for lesbians, gays and bi-sexuals, as long as they didn't express their sexuality. Otherwise, they would be discharged. 

More than 12,000 soldiers were discharged under the DADT since its enforcement in 1993, according to an article from the Associated Press.

The number of discharged soldiers began to increase due to the fact that the DADT kept inquires and investigations of lesbians and gays going. Therefore, was it really a Don't Ask, Don't Tell kind of policy? 

Slate magazine reporter, Brain Palmer, said "But there is no provision in law or regulation that forbids a rank-and-file service member from asking a colleague whether he or she is gay…but there is no record of a service member being punished for asking about homosexual conduct".

Mr. Palmer clearly points out how the DADT policy only dealt with half of the policy. It seemed as if the Don't Tell part was clearly handled, but the Don't Ask part wasn't handled correctly. This could go back to the increase of discharges that occurred during this policy in the military, and increase of harassment towards gays, lesbians and bi-sexuals. 

Clearly something else had to be done, which caused President Obama to come up with the plan of ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy completely.

 The military was very prepared for the repeal. Before it was passed, training under the new law was taking place. Applications from soldiers who were discharged, and those who felt a career in the military would not be possible, started coming in immediately after the bill was repealed. 

It all just boils down to how the military feels about this appeal, whether it is someone currently enlisted or someone who wishes to pursue a military career in the future. 

There are many opinions about the repeal of the DADT bill, yet the only ones that should matter are those who serve and protect our nation.

 How much of an affect does this appeal have on their ability to perform their jobs? 

Some feel like they were left out of a decision that affects them more than the politicians in Washington and the general public.

"I wish someone would have asked that before the appeal, because I would feel uncomfortable working under this appeal," said one possible future solider who did not want to be named. 

There are some soldiers who can say that this appeal doesn't affect them. Not because they don't care, but because it all comes down to one military. Therefore, this appeal isn't truly affecting everyone.