'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy: Is It Time to Talk?

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA494822 | Open PDF

Abstract:

For 15 years, the United States military has struggled with effectively executing the Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy that governs the conduct of homosexuals within its ranks. Since its inception, more than 12,000 men and women have been discharged from military rolls. This paper argues that it is time to repeal the policy by demonstrating how it is incompatible with current laws and contradicts existing military core values. The discourse begins with an overview of Title 10 law concerning homosexuality and its inconsistency with established policy. It highlights the strategic challenges of maintaining a policy that runs counter to U.S. military values. In addition, the paper examines issues at the heart of the debate over homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Finally, the paper makes no direct recommendation as to whether homosexuals should serve openly in the military, but it does offer points of consideration in reexamining this sensitive issue.

Author(s):
Morton, Lucious B.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
Descriptive Note:
Research paper
Supplementary Note:
USAWC Strategy Research Project.
Pagination:
0043

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USAWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_1.3.1_Personnel and Family Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_1.1.1_Global Force Management; JCA_8.1.3_Influence Adversary and Competitor Audiences; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*HOMOSEXUALITY, *MILITARY LAW, *FEDERAL LAW, *MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES), *POLICIES, *DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, *CONFLICT, RECRUITS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MILITARY SEPARATION, ETHICS, REPLACEMENT, COSTS, MORALE, MILITARY STANDARDS, INVESTMENTS, RISK, MILITARY PERSONNEL
Field(s)/Group(s):
Sociology and Law, Psychology, Personnel Management and Labor Relations, Military Forces and Organizations
Keyword(s):
*MILITARY VALUES, GAYS, LESBIANS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PUBLIC LAW 103 160, US CODE TITLE 10, MILITARY DISCHARGES, REPLACEMENT COSTS, ARMY VALUES, UNIT MORALE, UNIT COHESION
Report Date:
2009 Mar 26
Creation Date:
2009 Mar 25