Repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell: A Historical Perspective from the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In 2011, President Barack H. Obama signed into law the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. This reversed a long-standing prohibition against homosexuals serving in uniform, which the military had first established on the eve of its entry into World War I. The following account centers on the final thirty-year period between 1981 and 2011, when Congress and the Defense Department reinforced, then revised, and finally repealed the controversial policy. Based largely on interviews conducted with former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), it pays particular attention to their interaction during 2010, as they deliberated among themselves and advised senior government officials on the policy's complex evolution. Despite significant differences of opinion, the Chiefs agreed to disagree until the way forward became clear after which they presented a united front while implementing a revolutionary new policy without incident. Their experience provides insight into the complex relationship between personal and professional opinion, and the role of leadership and stewardship at the highest levels. It is ultimately a testament to the strength of the JCS as an institution.