In his recent report "Accountability and DADT," Dr. Nathaniel Frank lists dozens of claims made by defenders of DADT and challenges Americans to evaluate these claims and hold those who made them accountable for their words.
Former Bill Clinton introduced "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) in 1993 and required that LGBT military remain silent about their sexual orientation. A repeal of DADT was implemented Sept. 20, 2011, and since then, LGB ( but not transgender ) U.S. residents have been allowed to serve openly in the military. More conservative people have made predictions about the disruption that allowing gays to serve openly would cause.
Judge Oliver Gasch of the U.S. District Court asserted in 1991 that the lack of openly gay military service is "rational in that it is directed, in part, at preventing those who are at the greatest risk of dying of AIDS from serving." When asked about such claims, Leonardo Lucio of the Navy said "that's a pretty ignorant statement," Lee Reinhart of the Navy Reserve noted that even straight men "go to third world countries and have unprotected sex" and that "they test regularly," and Marquell Smith, who was discharged from the Marines under DADT, has stated, "I personally think people who were gay or are gay know about protected sex."
Commander James Pledger, a former Navy officer, said in 1993, "My crew is repulsed at the prospect of having to shower in view of homosexual shipmates." In response to this topic, Reinhart said, " [ in the Navy ] , I was able to work and do my job ... everyone knew ... I never felt like anyone was uncomfortable nor did anyone go to the chain of command and tell them 'I am uncomfortable." Lucio noted, "I don't see a problem. We're all grown mature men." Lesbian photojournalist Ann Foster, who recently enlisted in the Navy, said that assault "is a big issue ... it's not a homosexual thing it's a power thing."
Vincent Pattavina, a former captain of the Navy Reserve, claimed in 2003 that "sailors in past wars have had excellent military cohesion, which would have been obviated by the presence of lesbians and gays." When asked about such claims, Reinhart said, "I haven't kept it a secret ... the reaction has been 'I'm so glad it's over with,'" Smith noted "I haven't heard any negative feelings," Lucio said "it has increased because we're more open and able to concentrate on the mission," and Foster stated "it's not that big of a deal."
Gen. Carl Mundy, former Commandant of the Marine Corps, said in 2010 "if you vote to [ lift the ban, ] I believe you will inflict significant damage on the All-Volunteer Force." In response to this topic, Lucio mentioned that "with today's economy ... people aren't getting out they are staying as much as possible" and Foster commented that the military are "supposed to see past your own prejudice and if someone had an issue with that ... they shouldn't be in the military."
Gen. James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, asserted in 2010 that "inattention or distractions cost Marines' lives." When asked about increased casualties, Reinhart said "I haven't heard of any," Smith noted "I have not read about it" and Foster stated that even suicides of homosexual personnel are "big question marks."
Col. Timothy Tatum, a former Army Chaplain, said in 1993 that "for over two hundred years, the military has been the ethical and moral compass of this ... nation. If we move the compass off its course by even one degree, we start the military and this nation down a dangerous path." In response to this topic, Reinhart mentioned that chaplains "don't have to [ marry gay people ] if it goes against their religious beliefs" He also said that chaplains "need to be a chaplain for entire ... unit you work for" and Foster said that "people try to do their job."
On Nov. 30, 2010, the U.S. Department of Defense ( DoD ) published its "Report of the Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with the Repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell,'" in which it details evidence that demonstrates the possible effect of the repeal of DADT.
First, the DoD conducted a survey on active military personnel. They found that over 62 percent said the repeal would have a positive, mixed, or no effect on morale, 70 to 76 percent said it would have a positive, mixed, or no effect on cohesion, 67 percent said it would have a positive or no effect on readiness, less than .1 percent said that showers would cause any kind of violence, and over 60 percent said their own military plans would not change.
The DoD also examined the effect of racial integration on the military during WWII. During WWII, Americans were concerned about cohesion, effectiveness, readiness, and morale. Though it was difficult at first, the military eventually became racially diverse without consequences in these areas.
Finally, the DoD examined the effect of an openly gay military on existing foreign militaries. They found that the recruiting and retention in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom did not suffer following the allowance of openly gay personnel nor did these countries report problems with unit cohesion, effectiveness, or harassment.
When asked what he would say to the defenders of DADT, Smith said, "We should have an inclusive service that reflects people who serve. LGBT people are making a true sacrifice and denying that would be a disservice. Wwe are in a better place because of it." Foster added, "The times are changing and everything else is changing with it. If they don't want [ change ] ... they're gonna be left behind." Reinhart also noted that "we would not have had a successful journey if it wasn't for straight men who served with us." Lucio and Foster mentioned that DOMA still prevents many partners of gay military from receiving benefits.
