Gates continues to urge 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' survey response

News > Gates continues to urge 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' survey response

Photos


U.S. Air Force Graphic
Download HiRes

Related Links
• Special Report: Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Gates continues to urge 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' survey response

Posted 8/13/2010

Email story Print story

by Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

8/13/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Servicemember feedback will make members of Congress and Defense Department officials better informed as those officials evaluate repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in a letter to troops Aug. 12.

Department officials e-mailed surveys last month to 400,000 active duty and reserve-component troops. The surveys are part of a special review to prepare the military for a potential change in the law, which bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

"If you have not yet responded, please participate," Secretary Gates said in the letter. "Your response will help us assess the impact of a change in the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law and associated policy on military readiness, effectiveness and unit cohesion, should such a change occur."

Participation is confidential, Secretary Gates said, noting that a certificate of confidentiality has been obtained to protect the private contracting company that issued the survey. The company cannot be forced by subpoena, court order or other legal proceedings to disclose information that may identify participants.

"Your answers will not be linked to your personal identity," he said. "No one associated with the Defense Department will have access to identifiable data."

The surveys were e-mailed July 7. The deadline to respond is Aug. 15.

Comments

10/15/2010 10:15:08 AM ET
Doesn't repealing DADT mean things go back to the way they were before, based on the UCMJ? So recruiters should be able to ask and disqualify gays from passing MEPS now that they CAN ask if they're gay, correct? If so I'm all for that. However, judges shouldn't be creating or destroying laws, especially against our troops who are mostly Christians.

Disabled Veteran, Mountain View CA

10/1/2010 5:19:41 PM ET
The fact that the more extreme factions of our nation's population might protest even more at the funerals of our honored dead should really have no bearing on our decisions RAA. To please them is obviously already impossible and the fact that we defend their right to speak freely even against us does not mean we should listen to what they have to say. We should do what is right despite their feelings on the subject.

SrA Hendricks, McConnell AFB KS

8/23/2010 3:46:10 PM ET
This comment takes a look at a different aspect of the affect of repealing DADT. Since some unpatriotic Federal Judge just allowed the mean spirited Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church to protest and say TG for IEDs TG for dead soldiers as protected under the First Amendment, what do you think will happen when DADT is repealed? There will not be a funeral for a soldier that is not haunted by these people blaming Americas acceptance of homosexuality for a variety of problems. The Patriot Guard Riders will need all the help they can get to protect the honor of our soldiers and allow the families to grieve and hold remembrances without the fear of these awful protestors and demonstrators holding signs and yelling at funerals of our fallen heroes. Something else to think about.

RAA, WPAFB

8/17/2010 1:22:51 PM ET
If gays are allowed to serve openly then we should also allow males and females to room together and there should be no problem with sharing locker rooms and bathrooms. If an openly gay male is housed with other males the gender that he is sexually attracted to, then how can you say it's different from allowing a heterosexual male to be housed with females? The issue is not whether the attraction would be acted upon, it's about parity. Or are we now going to have to look at separate dorms for gay servicemembers?

km, Iraq

8/16/2010 2:01:18 PM ET
With respect Alvin your comments reflect the bias that gay males automatically act like women. Your comment is part of the problem. Here is the deal. If you can professionally serve alongside women and you expect professionalism from them why do you assume gay men and women cannot serve professionally. I would submit that because of DADT the gay individuals currently serving are probably more professional because they have had to adjust to the biased policy of hiding their identity. I know and have known many gay individuals while on active duty and also now that I am retired. Quit fearing them. They are no different from you.

Jim H retired colonel, Omaha NE

8/16/2010 1:05:01 PM ET
Sexual Preference is just that, a preference. I believe that any man or woman should be afforded the opportunity to serve the country they are dedicated to with no fear of recourse of whom they are in relations with so long as it stays professional and they keep in line with standards. As a SSgt am I to believe that homosexuals do not stand by my side day in and day out under the cover of fear that if they say something wrong they have a high possibility of being terminated. As long as you have the capability of being an Airman Soldier Marine or Seaman in the most professional manner then I personally believe that DONT ASK DONT TELL should be developed that suits the warfighter. As AMN said in a previous post in uniform you are genderless, if the mission is getting done who cares who is doing the mission

SSgt, Denver CO

8/16/2010 8:40:25 AM ET
PDA in uniform is against policy anyway. I agree that homosexuals should be allowed to bring their significant other to functions without risking their careers. The US Armed Forces has a Zero Tolerance for discrimination but Article 125 of the UCMJ is discrimination. It said that any acts of homosexual behavior are subject to disciplinary action.The policy won't get changed for the simple fact that it's more work for law makers. They'll bring the safety of the homosexual individuals into the equation. But the fact of the matter is if you have someone that is gay working in your office you're aware. We also have CIVILIANS working with us. They are not discriminated against based on their sexual preference...they could sue for discrimination based on sexual orientation. Here's the thing if the policy is Don't Ask Don't Tell then that should be in regards to ALL employees on an installation

Nicki, Germany

8/15/2010 10:16:25 PM ET
The idea isn't to advertise orientation but rather not have to hide what they are. You may not think you're telling people your orientation but if you bring your girlfriend to a unit function you just did. If a homosexual did the same they could end up getting kicked out for it. You might use facebook to connect with people and look for a partner listing your orientation on your profile. Again if a homosexual did the same they would very likely be kicked out.I agree that you should exercise military bearing when appropriate but to deny someone the ability to enjoy the company of their significant other in public is just wrong.

Sam, Japan

8/15/2010 6:29:52 PM ET
Whatever happens with this Don't ask don't tell policy people just need to remember our core values. As well as not going over board with anything unprofessional. When in public and in uniform you are genderless or that's the way it should be, your mind should be focused on our mission and nothing else. Thats just the way we are shown threw our training. So I'm agreeing with the post above.

Amn, Guam

8/13/2010 9:51:36 PM ET
I do not advertise my sexual preference; why should homosexuals want to advertise theirs? Is not being a good soldier the most important trait If you are a man? Act like a man in public. You have your private moments to do otherwise.

ALVIN ZIEGELBAUER, BEDFORD TX.

Add a comment

Inside AF.mil

GeneralImagesVideo

View All RSS

Subscribe AF.MIL

More Headlines

AF updates CJR constrained list, remaining fiscal year quotas

Joint readiness training wraps up in Hawaii

New Professional Development Guide available  7

Website allows units to claim repurposed supplies, save money  2

Pope Field building 'green' control tower

DOD establishes tissue bank to study brain injuries

AF stops moves to Colorado

Air Force Week in Photos

Through Airmen's Eyes: Student pilot survives lymphoma, continues dream

Skies to conquer: Langley Airman scales Mount Everest   4

Anatomy of a hurricane hunter: When storms get personal  1

Academy firefighters step up efforts to combat Black Forest blaze   2

Air Force removes six career fields from constrained list

Air Force C-130s drop 25,000 gallons of retardant on Colorado fire   1

Commentary

Filling squares 18

Keeping service in perspective 8