Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Time for Change

After World War II, the United States Congress wrote laws to prohibit homosexuals from openly serving in the military. The rationale was based on unit cohesion and fear that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly could negatively impact recruiting and retention. President Clinton was responsible for the updated policy in effect today known as Dont Ask, Dont Tell, now almost 15 years old. In a time of transition to a new administration and a transforming military capable of adapting to any environment, the question of whether gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the military has once again surfaced as a national policy issue. This paper provides historical background on the subject and then examines the current policy in light of research findings with respect to changes in society, emerging doctrine, impact on college campuses and recruiting, impact on foreign militaries where the ban has been lifted, and in police and fire departments where no ban exists. The authors purpose is not to examine the issue of gay marriage or gay rights, but to evaluate the existing data to see if there is a way ahead with respect to the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy.