A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 was passed last year as the dying breath of a liberal Congress bent on imposing their beliefs and social experimentation upon the military before being required to turn over the keys to more responsible adults.
The legislation mandated that repeal happen upon completion of a series of requirements spelled out. One of the mandates of the legislation was that the President transmit to the congressional defense committees a written certification stating that “the Department of Defense has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise the discretion provided by the amendments” to repeal the 1993 law barring homosexuals from serving in the military.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Dec. 3, 2010, in Washington, D.C. General Schwartz, his fellow service chiefs and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff testified on the recently released Comprehensive Review Working Group report, which addresses the potential repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott M. Ash)
On July 22th, newly appointed Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta “certified that the implementation of repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the armed forces.”
The President then immediately transmitted “to the congressional defense committees a written certification” that all the stipulations spelled out in the repeal legislation had been met. Turns out, I was right about this “certification” being one of “the greatest misrepresentation perpetrated on the American people and our troops” had just come to pass.
A few days ago, Rep. Howard McKeon and Joe Wilson, Chairmen of the House Armed Services Committee and Military Personnel Subcommittee, forwarded a letter to the SecDef addressing the fact that only 8 days (at the time of the letter) prior to the implementation of the repeal, Congress has still not received the “necessary policies and regulations” that were required PRIOR TO the certification by both him and the President as spelled out in the law.
It is now eight days before the effective date of the repeal of Section 654, title 10, U.S. Code, governing service by openly gay and lesbian personnel. You certified on July 22nd, with the President and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs that, among other things, the Department of Defense has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise repeal of Section 654.
Since that date, committee officials have requested, but not received, copies of the revised regulations and a summary of all the specific policy changes, especially with regard to benefits, that will take effect upon repeal.
This failure to meet the committee’s requests lead us to conclude that decisions on the policies and regulations to implement repeal are not complete and that your certification and those of the others were inaccurate.
You can read the full letter HERE. This is exactly what I and many other troops have been saying since the “certification” was announced back in July.
The letter also criticizes the Department of Defense for waiting until AFTER full repeal before beginning a review and comment period to assess the impact of repeal on “the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces” as laid out in the legislation.
Since these things have not been done according to the law, the HASC believes “it is essential that [DOD] take immediate action to delay the implementation of repeal until such time that the review and comment period is completed, that DOD has incorporated the changes suggested during that comment period, and that the appropriate regulations needed to implement repeal have been distributed to and have been understood by the leaders and key personnel in the field.”
Implementation of the repeal is planned for three days from now on September 20, but the repeal legislation requires written regulations (not PowerPoint slides), which is all that has been given to troops in the field in the form of “training.”
In a July 28 committee briefing statement, Chairman McKeon observed, “[T]he repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell resulted from a process that insulted the legislative and oversight responsibilities of the House of Representatives.” McKeon cited a Defense Department Inspector General investigation report, which revealed that the vaunted 2010 Pentagon survey on gays in the military was “so pre-determined that the final report was being drafted before the surveys were even sent to the troops.”
McKeon continued, “The [lame-duck] Congress seized the conclusions of the faulty report and forced through a repeal bill over the stated reservations of the service chiefs…” The process allowed “none of the rigorous examination that is essential to adopting sound legislation.”
During hearings in April, HASC members asked many questions about the effect of the new LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) law on issues such as personal privacy, marriage benefits, and religious rights of conscience. On the thorniest of issues, Pentagon witnesses repeatedly answered “I don’t know.”
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Anatomy of a Military Dating Scam
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Anatomy of a Military Dating Scam
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[UPDATE] The "Face" of Military Dating Scams - The Wall of Shame
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William Elmore
Homosexual fixation on Ano-Recto-Colonic-Philo-Fellatio is disturbing. Homosexual conduct is simply incompatible with the good order and discipline necesary to maintain an effective fighting force. I remain concerned that homosexual ARCPFers will adversely affect troop health and welfare. Homosexuality is THE breeding ground, and continues to be the largest reservoir, for HIV/Aids according to the CDC.
To put youngsters at risk, both homosexuals and their comrades, in this manner speaks volumes about a nation way down the moral sewer. This decision by our President and authorized by a lame duck liberal Democratic Congress in December 2010 is one of the most outrageous and dangerous I have ever witnessed. It needs to be repealed. Vote Republican, save the Rupublic!
Justin Moore
God why couldn’t people see this……garbage coming in 08 when they elected this fagtard
Lance H
Can any active duty soldier tell me what the impact will be on single soldier billeting? Can you object to being roomed with an openly gay soldier? Do you have to shower with openly gay soldiers? I retired from the Army about 10 years ago and am shocked that our nation continues to use the military as lab rats for social policy.
My email address is:
lheckerman@ca.rr.com
Could someone please forward me the new directive regarding the billeting of openly gay soldiers? Thanks!
Justin Moore
Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)1 represent approximately 2% of the US population, yet are the population most severely affected by HIV and are the only risk group in which new HIV infections have been increasing steadily since the early 1990s. In 2006, MSM accounted for more than half (53%) of all new HIV infections in the United States, and MSM with a history of injection drug use (MSM-IDU) accounted for an additional 4% of new infections. At the end of 2006, more than half (53%) of all people living with HIV in the United States were MSM or MSM-IDU. Since the beginning of the US epidemic, MSM have consistently represented the largest percentage of persons diagnosed with AIDS and persons with an AIDS diagnosis who have died.
The Numbers
New HIV Infections2
In 2006, more than 30,000 MSM and MSM-IDU were newly infected with HIV.
Among all MSM, whites accounted for nearly half (46%) of new HIV infections in 2006. The largest number of new infections among white MSM occurred in those aged 30–39 years, followed by those aged 40–49 years.
Among all black MSM, there were more new HIV infections (52%) among young black MSM (aged 13–29 years) than any other racial or ethnic age group of MSM in 2006. The number of new infections among young black MSM was nearly twice that of young white MSM and more than twice that of young Hispanic/Latino MSM.
Among all Hispanic/Latino MSM in 2006, the largest number of new infections (43%) occurred in the youngest age group (13–29 years), though a substantial number of new HIV infections (35%) were among those aged 30–39 years.
Estimated Number of New HIV Infections among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), by Race/Ethnicity and Age Group, 2006
Source: CDC. Subpopulation Estimates from the HIV Incidence Surveillance System—United States, 2006. MMWR. 2008; 57(36):985–989.
HIV and AIDS Diagnoses3 and Deaths
A recent CDC study found that in 2008 one in five (19%) MSM in 21 major US cities were infected with HIV, and nearly half (44%) were unaware of their infection. In this study, 28% of black MSM were HIV-infected, compared to 18% of Hispanic/Latino MSM and 16% of white MSM. Other racial/ethnic groups of MSM also have high numbers of HIV infections, including American Indian/Alaska Native MSM (20%) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander MSM (18%).
In 2007, MSM were 44 to 86 times as likely to be diagnosed with HIV compared with other men, and 40 to 77 times as likely as women.
From 2005–2008, estimated diagnoses of HIV infection increased approximately 17% among MSM. This increase was likely due to a combination of factors: increases in new infections, increased testing, and diagnosis earlier in the course of infection; it may also have been due to uncertainty in statistical models.
In 2008, an estimated 17,940 MSM were diagnosed with AIDS in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US dependent areas—an increase of 6% since 2005.
By the end of 2007, an estimated 282,542 MSM with an AIDS diagnosis had died in the United States and 5 dependent areas.
Prevention Challenges
The high prevalence of HIV infection among MSM means they face a greater risk of being exposed to infection with each sexual encounter—especially as they get older
Sexual risk accounts for most HIV infections in MSM. These risks include unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The practice of not using a condom during anal sex with someone other than a primary, HIV-negative partner continues to pose a significant threat to the health of MSM.
Alcohol and illicit drug use contributes to increased risk for HIV infection and other STDs among MSM. The use of substances such as alcohol and other drugs can increase the likelihood of risky sexual behavior.
Many MSM with HIV are unaware of their HIV infection, especially MSM of color and young MSM. A recent CDC study found that among urban MSM in 21 cities in 2008 who were unaware of their HIV infection, 55% had not been tested in the previous 12 months. Low awareness of HIV status among young MSM likely reflects several factors: they may have been infected more recently, may underestimate their personal risk, may have had fewer opportunities to get tested, or may believe that HIV treatment minimize the threat of HIV. CDC recommends that all MSM get tested for HIV once a year— and more often if they are at higher risk. MSM at higher risk includes those who have multiple or anonymous sex partners or use drugs during sex.
Stigma and homophobia may have a profound impact on the lives of MSM, especially their mental and sexual health. Internalized homophobia may impact men’s ability to make healthy choices, including decisions around sex and substance use. Stigma and homophobia may limit the willingness of MSM to access HIV prevention and care, isolate them from family and community support, and create cultural barriers that inhibit integration into social networks.
Racism, poverty, and lack of access to health care are barriers to HIV prevention services, particularly for MSM from racial or ethnic minority communities. A recent CDC study found a strong link between socioeconomic status and HIV among MSM: prevalence increased as education and income decreased, and awareness of HIV status was higher among MSM with greater education and income.
Complacency about HIV may play a key role in HIV risk, particularly among young MSM. Since young MSM did not experience the severity of the early HIV epidemic, some may falsely believe that HIV is no longer a serious health threat because of treatment advances and decreased mortality. Additional challenges for many MSM include maintaining safe behaviors over time and underestimating personal risk.
The brass needs to take a look at these numbers matter of fact society as a whole needs to see this
Justin Moore
Arch Gen Psychiatry 1999 Oct; 56(10):876-80
Is sexual orientation related to mental health problems and suicidality in young people?
Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Beautrais AL. Christchurch Health and Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine, New Zealand.
BACKGROUND: This study examines the extent to which gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people are at increased risk of psychiatric disorder and suicidal behaviors using data gathered on a New Zealand birth cohort studied to age 21 years.
METHODS: Data were gathered during the course of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 21-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 children born in Christchurch, New Zealand. At 21 years of age, 1007 sample members were questioned about their sexual orientation and relationships with same-sex partners since the age of 16 years. Twenty-eight subjects (2.8%) were classified as being of gay, lesbian, or bisexual sexual orientation. Over the period from age 14 to 21 years, data were gathered on a range of psychiatric disorders that included major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorders. Data were also gathered on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
RESULTS: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people were at increased risks of major depression (odds ratio [OR], 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-9.3), generalized anxiety disorder (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.5), conduct disorder (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.7), nicotine dependence (OR, 5.0; 95%, CI, 2.3-10.9), other substance abuse and/or dependence (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9-4.2), multiple disorders (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.4-14.8), suicidal ideation (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.4-12.2), and suicide attempts (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.7-14.3).
CONCLUSIONS: Findings support recent evidence suggesting that gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people are at increased risk of mental health problems, with these associations being particularly evident for measures of suicidal behavior and multiple disorder
Ned Flaherty
DADT Repeal 100% Successful
Jim Macdea of NBC News reports from Logar, Afghanistan reports that repealing DADT posed no danger and caused no problems.
Even after the nation, Congress, and President Obama agreed to lift the ban on gays, lesbians, and bisexuals serving openly in the military, some people said repealing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law would never work in the real world. They said that letting open gay and lesbian soldiers serve in close quarters would cause chaos, and that combat units would implode.
• In manpower, they predicted fewer recruits, more resignations, and a return to the draft.
• In units, they predicted harm to order, discipline, morale, and unit cohesion.
• In battle, they predicted disruption, distraction, mistakes, injuries, and casualties.
• Off hours, they predicted coercion, illicit activity, health issues, and sexual assaults.
• Overall, critics predicted high risks to property, freedom, national security, and the American way of life.
But despite all these things that critics imagined, none of them ever happened.
Today’s soldiers, from grunts to top brass, even U.S. Marines, have actively embraced the law, with no reports of incidents like hazing or gay bashing. Behind front lines at large bases like Bagram Airfield, groups of gays and lesbians now meet publicly, at coffee hours unheard of only months ago.
Hundreds — perhaps thousands — of gay soldiers have recently posted their own coming out videos on YouTube, often to their own families. A phone call home by Airman Randy Phillips, based in Germany, to tell his parents he’s gay, went viral, with more than 5 million hits. Even commanders like Marine General James Amos, once opposed to lifting the ban during wartime, now support it, allowing soldiers to excel, as they always have in war, but now, to do it freely.
Source: “No incidents reported since DADT repealed”
MSNBC Nightly News, 22-Dec-2011
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/45758539/#45758539
CJ
Ned, this story isn’t entirely accurate. Why? Because “reporting” doesn’t include the troops that have refused to share a barracks room with a gay Soldier. Typically, they are just moved into another room and nothing is said about it. The other issue is that gays haven’t been coming out as predicted because of the backlash. So far, only anecdotal stories exist of their integration.
To say that it’s 100% successful ignores the public outrage at the attempted repeal of Article 125 of the UCMJ, the Sodomy article. Because of the backlash from troops and the public, that repeal had to be stricken from the NDAA. Nice try, but using a sympathetic media story with an inaccurate headline doesn’t reflect reality – just what has been “reported.”
Dave Jannsen
It’d be nice to see your status update re DADT implementation with a more recent post. I’m sure you’re realizing that your doom and gloom predictions were fantastic thinking. DADT repeal has gone smoothly, and there is no need to force Americans to hide who they are to serve in our military. DADT is where it belongs — in the trashbin of history.