Don't Ask, Don't Tell

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Imagine being in the heat of war, a place where trust is needed most. Imagine, however, that in the heat of war you cannot trust your fellow soldier because of personal tensions within the unit. It was this problem that the policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was designed to avoid, the tension caused between soldiers when homosexuals are serving openly. Without this policy, homosexuals serving openly could create tension that interferes with the military’s effectiveness. While it may not be obvious at first, the policy of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” actually supports the both values of the military and the rights of homosexuals. As a result, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is needed to protect homosexual service members and is crucial in securing military effectiveness.

Throughout history openly practicing homosexuals have not been accepted in the United States Armed Forces. During the American Revolution and the Civil War, while no military code actually addressed homosexuals, anyone found committing homosexual acts was dishonorably discharged (Walke). With the turn of the century, the U.S. military actively began prohibiting and prosecuting homosexual acts (Walke). Throughout the 20th century, individuals seeking to serve in the military were prohibited from serving if they had a history of homosexual activity. With his election in 1994, President Bill Clinton sought to change this prohibition. However, once in office he met opposition from military leadership. As a result, a compromise between the Clinton administration, military officials and conservatives brought about the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.

“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is the official policy of the U.S. Department of Defense towards homosexuals in the military. Members of t...

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Works Cited

Beattie, LCDR Scott J., JAGC, USN. Personal Interview. 5 Apr. 2011.

Bowman, Jeffery, and Laura Finley. “Homosexuals in the Military: An Overview.” Points of View: Homosexuals in the Military. 2009: 1. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 31 Mar 2011.

Issitt, Micah, and Geraldine Wagner. “Counter Point: The ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Policy of the U.S. Military is a Form of Discrimination.” Points of View: Homosexuals in the Military. 2009: 3. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 31 Mar 2011.

Owens, Mackubin Thomas. “The Case Against Gays in the Military.” Wall Street Journal. 03 Feb 2010: A. 17. SIRS Researcher. Web. 29 Mar 2011.

Walke, Jacob, and Chuck Goodwin. “Point: America Cannot Afford to be Weakened by Homosexuality.” Points of View: Homosexuals in the Military. 2009: 2. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 31 Mar 2011.

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