The Pentagon has made open to the public what is arguably its most controversial and important decision to date concerning more than 800 military veterans who were dismissed from the armed forces due to their sexual orientation. After several years of efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights in the army, this change is set to take place in order to amend the wrongs brought about by earlier policies such as that of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
What is the Pentagon Doing for veterans expelled for being gay?
The Pentagon is upgrading the discharge status of around 820 veterans who were previously dismissed from the military because of their sexual orientation. This upgrade, announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, changes their discharges to honorable status. Austin noted that the goal is to “redress the harms done by ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and other policies on these former service members.” These policy changes aim to bring justice to those who faced discrimination under the old rules.
How did “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” impact military personnel?
‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is a military policy that was put in place in the year 1993 which was created as a middle ground to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual people who wanted to enlist in the armed forces but did not have to openly identify themselves as such. Though it permitted some to serve, it also fostered a climate of concealment and panic. There was a need to conceal their identity, which many advocates argue is good for the unit’s morale and cohesion. Many, who wished to serve their country, were irrationally discharged by this policy due to their sexual orientation.
What benefits are veterans receiving?
The discharge upgrades are life-changing for these veterans. An honorable discharge gives them access to crucial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including:
- Education benefits: Veterans can now access the GI Bill and other educational programs that were previously unavailable to them.
- Healthcare: They are eligible for VA healthcare services, which could make a significant difference in their overall well-being.
- Financial support: Veterans can also apply for financial benefits, including pensions and home loans, which were denied to them under their original discharges.
This decision not only restores their dignity but also provides them with tangible benefits that can improve their lives and the lives of their families.
How many people were affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”?
The Pentagon’s review affects more than just these 820 veterans. The review is also a recognition of the 13500 service members who served between 1993 and 2011 and were dismissed under the DADT policy. Many of these veterans have had to live for decades with the stigma and real life repercussions of a discharge that is rated as less than honorable.
How did the review process start?
The year-long review that led to these upgrades came after repeated complaints from veterans about how difficult and adversarial the process for appealing their discharge status was. Many veterans found it nearly impossible to change their status, even though DADT had been repealed years ago. Advocates pushed for a more streamlined process, and the Pentagon responded with this mass upgrade.
Why was this move controversial?
The response to the change in policy has been divided. On one hand, a good number of people regard it as a very necessary corrective measure to address the inequalities suffered by some in society. On the other hand, there are those who think that the military should not go back to the past and change how dismissals were administered. Yet, all LGBTQ+ activists agree that this change addresses the issues of the past in an appreciable manner. Despite the questions that have been raised, this initiative is largely accepted as a potential remedy for a time when military women were not regarded in equal measures as their male counterparts.
