by Delayne Terra Buranek

Created on: March 25, 2009

The current climate of this country has resulted in overall military forces being strapped and critical mission areas of expertise left lacking. The numbers even now continue to be reduced from lives lost and are not being regained from recruiting efforts, often due to dissent or fear of not making it back home. But there are folks who do wish to serve their country and they can't. They are linguists, pilots, doctors, computer programmers, and everything in between but the Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy has kept them out, sending those who do get exposed home with discharge papers. It is a policy that doesn't make sense in this time of need and a policy that President Obama needs to end.

Present numbers of military members discharged are around 12,500 soldiers since it was enacted in 1993. Even as of January 2009 numbers of service members let go continued despite the movement to end DADT had already begun. During the height of the war in Iraq, an average of 2 military personnel was lost per day.

As I understand it, DADT started out as a good idea that went horribly awry. Former President Clinton started out trying to make it easier for gay people to be in the military (if I am remembering what I've read about it correctly) and it ended up a policy that more or less stated, "Sure you can serve, just don't talk about." But this came with restrictions that could get a person thrown out if it was mentioned.

It was unprecedented, as the military had no data to back up the fears that started this mess. But the main concern was that out service members would decrease overall morale as everyone would become hung up on this information. A proper service member, no matter was sexual orientation and gender should follow the rules. These rules are similar to any workplace. So the fear of being sexually harassed by a fellow military member is unfounded. It is true these things will happen, but it won't be determined by sexual orientation, and any soldier breaking reasonable rules (DADT not being one of them) should be given discharge papers.

Studies showing the impact of having soldiers being out all indicate that this information will not cause problems. In fact they are finding that quite the opposite is true. Units aren't torn apart by honesty, but rather dishonesty. And lying about who you are to the people who may have to give their life for yours or yours for theirs isn't right. Other countries have allowed members to be out and their military forces are stronger than ever. These fears that started the DADT policy have not come to fruition elsewhere.

Repealing DADT is one of the smartest military moves President Obama can make. It will strengthen our military and our country, by more than just mere numbers. It will bring back a sense of pride and patriotism for me. As many as 41,000 new recruits could be attracted if this policy ends. And you can count me amongst them on that auspicious day.

References: All facts and numbers were found online at 365gay.com

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