The United States military has a long and proud history. In 1776, they fought against great odds and a superior force to win independence from a nation that didn't offer basic rights to their colonies. In 1861, they fought against their brothers and cousins to grant basic freedoms to an entire race of people. In 1941, we fought against an evil dictator and helped liberate a continent and end the tyranny and oppression against many ethnic, religious, and other minority groups. During all these conflicts, the military was segregated, bigoted, or otherwise opposed to varying religions, races or national origins.

Yet, in 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order 9981. This order established equality in the armed forces for all men who served. Later, this was broadened to include female soldiers as well. Yet, even with this executive order on the books, gay men and women were routinely discriminated against while serving their country. Often times, the discrimination went as high as the President. Up until President Clinton took office in the early 1990's, the authority to ban gays and lesbians from serving in the military resided with the President. When President Clinton took office, he was set to reverse the ban, but during the compromise with opponents that resulted in 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', Congress took that power from the President and made it into law. This was unprecedented, and a huge setback for the gay rights movement.

Today, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a law that is sporadically enforced at best. As often happens during war time, policies such as these are ignored. Yet, once the fighting subsides, they come to the forefront again. In the current war in Iraq, the first Marine injured has since come out as being a gay man. "It was like carrying this enormous secret that you want to share with someone," Retired Staff Sgt. Eric Fidelis Alva, 36, of San Antonio said in February of 2007. "I eventually formed close bonds with other Marines and did confide in them. They treated me with the same respect and dignity afterward. We were still buddies."

Most Western military forces have now removed policies excluding sexual minority members; of the 26 countries that participate militarily in NATO, more than 20 permit open lesbians, gays, or bisexuals to serve. This is supported by recent surveys which show an overwhelming support across the nation, and even in the armed forces, to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. In a recent poll, as many as 1 in 4 troops know of at least one gay or lesbian member serving with them, and many found out from that person directly (Source). Of those surveyed, the majority harbored no ill will or felt any apprehension against serving with those members. This speaks volumes. It also shows how disconnected the Brass is with their soldiers. While serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace stated, "I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts." This was said in support of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', and it highlights just how far removed many of the leaders of the armed forces are. But, not all of the leaders feel this way. Retired Army general John Shalikashvili, who served as chairman after General Colin Powell, also wants it removed from the books.

Personally, I'd like to see 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' removed, and quickly. While I have faith that it will be repealed during President Obama's term, I won't hold my breath.

This entry was originally posted on A Day in the World ~ Zyto95487's Blog; published here with permission.

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