'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal moves closer

[Solly Mack]

The end of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military code – barring gays and lesbians from serving openly in the US armed forces – is in sight, as five senators will launch legislation on Wednesday designed to scrap the policy.

Senator Joe Lieberman and four others, including New York's Kirsten Gillibrand, will announce the legislation, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2010, which contains provisions to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and prohibit discrimination against soldiers on the basis of their sexual orientation, as well as promoting the establishment of Reserve Officer Training Corps units at elite universities.

That last category is the result of some universities – including Harvard university – banning the officer training corp from their campuses, a legacy of the Vietnam war protests of the 1960s and 1970s. More recently the existence of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has been a barrier to universities lifting their bans after protests from students and staff.

The new bill comes just as the defence secretary, Robert Gates, published the terms of reference for a study commissioned by the Pentagon into ending the ban on homosexuals in the military

TERMS OF REFERENCE (DOD public release - no copyright issues)

Comprehensive Review on the Implementation ofa Repeal of 10 U.S.C. § 654

These Terms of Reference (TOR) establish the objectives of the Secretary of Defensedirected Comprehensive Review for the Repeal of 10 U.S.c. § 654, "Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces." The Review will examine the issues associated with repeal of the law should it occur and will include an implementation plan that addresses the impacts, if any, on the Department.
Objectives and Scope:

The Review will identify the impacts to the force of a repeal of 10 U.S.C § 654 in the areas reflected below:

1.Determine any impacts to military readiness, military effectiveness and unit cohesion, recruiting/retention, and family readiness that may result from repeal of the law and recommend any actions that should be taken in light of such impacts.

2.Determine leadership, guidance, and training on standards of conduct and new policies.

3.Determine appropriate changes to existing policies and regulations, including but not limited to issues regarding personnel management, leadership and training, facilities, investigations, and benefits.

4.Recommend appropriate changes (if any) to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

5.Monitor and evaluate existing legislative proposals to repeal 10 U.S.C § 654 and proposals that may be introduced in the Congress during the period of the review.

6.Assure appropriate ways to monitor the workforce climate and military effectiveness that support successful follow-through on implementation.

7.Evaluate the issues raised in ongoing litigation involving 10 U.S.C § 654.


Methodology:

1.Review all DoD directives, instructions and other issuances potentially impacted by a repeal. Identify where new directives and instructions may be needed.

2.Ensure participation in the working group by: military service leadership; appropriate OSD staff elements; cross service officer and enlisted communities; mid-grade and senior ranks; human resources/personnel specialists; pay and benefits specialists; family support programs specialists; accession point and training communities; service
academies and/or senior service schools; and medical, legal and religious support personnel.

3.In an appropriately balanced manner, engage Members of Congress, key influencers of potential service members and other stakeholder groups that have expressed a view on the current and perspective policy.

4.Research/study methods shall include systematic engagement of all levels of the force and their families, analysis of current data and information, and review the experiences of foreign militaries.

5.Engage the RAND Corporation to update the National Defense Research Institute
report on "Sexual Orientation and U.S. Military Personnel Policy: Options and
Assessment" (1993).

Deliverables:

•A Report addressing the areas above will be delivered to the Secretary of Defense not later than December 1,2010. Prior to thedelivery of the report to the Secretary of Defense, each Service Chief shall be afforded the opportunity to review and comment.

•The Review will provide a plan of action to support the implementation of a repeal ofthe law. The Review shall identify areas for further study.

[Solly Mack]

1. kick

[Soylent Brice]

2. K&R

it would be nice to see my sister not have to hide who she is while serving her country.

[Solly Mack]

4. Yes it would!

For your sister and so many others...it's the only right thing to do.

[Soylent Brice]

6. .

:hug:

[maddezmom]

3. k&r

[G_j]

5. K&R