Pentagon: Training on end of 'don't ask, don't tell' to start in February

[SpartanDem]

Source: Washington Post

Using lectures, videos and PowerPoint slides, the Pentagon plans to start training commanders, chaplains and troops next month for a new reality: a military that allows gays and lesbians to serve openly in uniform

The training moves the armed forces closer to eliminating the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, officials said Friday.

President Obama signed legislation in December that overturns the 17-year ban and requires the military training. "Don't ask" will formally end 60 days after Obama, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, inform lawmakers in writing that the military is ready to do away with the policy.

Training should focus on reminding troops to treat each other with respect, that no policy will be established solely based on sexual orientation and that harassment or unlawful discrimination of any service member is prohibited, Gates said in a memo. The services must submit detailed training plans to him by Friday.



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/28/AR2011012807284.html?hpid=moreheadlines

[emulatorloo]

1. Rec n/t

[BR_Parkway]

2. Powerpoints? Seriously? The old farts are so out of touch with today's

troops. It's the higher ups/older folks who are going to need the detailed training, not the bulk of the troops.

Don't get me wrong, as a vet who got separated under DADT, I'm damn glad to see it going away. But these homophobic fear mongers have created such a boogeyman over allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly, that they really are blind to the reality around them.

Videos? Why does something like "What Two Privates Do With Their Privates..." shot in that old black and white drivers education/health class style come to mind?

[emulatorloo]

7. Sorry that is nitpicking. What would you prefer, a Twitter Feed?

I do agree with you, the higher up need more training than the troops. On the other hand sounds like the Marines need a real big attitude adjustment.

[BR_Parkway]

9. Marines always seemed to be the most determined to prove their

masculinity (overall, not everyone obviously) - may explain the much higher resistance. Especially if they meet a few gays who don't fit that nellie stereotype

[MH1]

11. I think it's not only the military higher ups who are 'out of touch'

if there are people who really think that every younger person in the military today is completely unbiased and accepting towards homosexuals.

I think it's great that the military establishment is making an effort to institutionalize a no-bias policy quickly. And yeah, powerpoint is still how most people give presentations, at least where I work, at least when it isn't a technology demo.

[Paper Roses]

3. Training to accept their fellow soldiers? Just go forward with the

change. These troops will get along just fine without PowerPoint presentations.
Sounds to me like the government needs another excuse to spend money.

Do and be done with it. Long past time.

[Warren Stupidity]

4. Here is my training program:

stop. persecuting. gays.

[mr clean]

8. +1,000

[Skittles]

12. CORRECT

in all work places I have been in (except for the miliary), I've been instructed DON'T BE A BIGOT

[BenzoDia]

5. Training Program: Step 1 - Let gays into military. Step 2 - Don't be a dick.

It's just that easy!

[Bigmack]

6. I can only imagine what the training will be like ....

in the Marine Corps.

"You fucking people had BEST get along with the fags!"

or

"You are all lower than whale shit... even you homersexshuls."

Sensitivity... hallmark of the Corps.

[Jkid]

10. I was actually worried about how the US Military will handle the end of DADT

Now I don't need to worry anymore. The real question should be this: How effective would the training would be?