Over 800 Discharges Under Pentagon ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Policy \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Pentagon has upgraded the discharge status of more than 800 military personnel who were dismissed under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, granting them honorable discharges. This is part of ongoing efforts to rectify past discrimination against LGBTQ service members. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the military’s commitment to honoring all service members, including those affected by the former policy, which was repealed in 2011.
Pentagon Upgrades Discharges for Over 800 LGBTQ Service Members: Quick Looks
- Honorable discharges restored: More than 800 troops have had their service records upgraded.
- Historical context: The changes address dismissals under the repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
- Pentagon review: About 96% of the 13,500 discharged under the policy now have honorable discharges.
Deep Look
The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that over 800 former service members have had their discharges upgraded to honorable status after being removed from the military under the now-repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) policy. This development marks a significant step in addressing past discrimination against LGBTQ individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces. The move follows ongoing efforts to right the wrongs of past policies that barred service members from serving openly.
Background on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and LGBTQ Military Policies
The policy shift is the latest chapter in a long history of evolving military standards regarding LGBTQ personnel. Under the 1951 Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), Article 125 criminalized consensual gay sex, effectively barring LGBTQ individuals from serving openly. In 1993, President Bill Clinton sought a compromise, leading to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. This policy allowed LGBTQ service members to serve as long as they did not openly disclose their sexual orientation. While seen as a progressive step at the time, it still forced many to hide their identities, and thousands were discharged when their sexual orientation was revealed.
The policy remained in place until 2011, when Congress passed a repeal allowing LGBTQ individuals to serve openly. Following this repeal, the UCMJ was further modified in 2013 to criminalize only nonconsensual sexual acts, removing the restrictions on consensual gay sex altogether. In June 2023, President Joe Biden took another significant step by issuing pardons for service members convicted under the old policies, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to correcting historical injustices.
Restoring Benefits and Honoring Service
Despite the repeal of DADT, thousands of veterans who were discharged under the policy still carried the burden of less-than-honorable discharges. Such discharges not only prevented them from receiving military benefits, including education and healthcare, but also posed challenges in securing civilian employment and loans. Many had their lives disrupted due to the stigma attached to a discharge status that was not reflective of their service.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin launched a comprehensive review last year to address these cases. “We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops — including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love,” Austin said in a statement. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of those who were dismissed under unjust circumstances.
The Pentagon’s announcement of upgrades for over 800 discharges is part of this broader review. Officials estimate that approximately 13,500 service members were discharged under DADT between 1993 and 2011. According to the Pentagon, about 96% of those affected have now received honorable discharges, including those whose records were upgraded by other means over the years.
Who Was Eligible for Discharge Upgrades?
The process of upgrading discharges has been complex, as not all cases of the 13,500 DADT discharges required review. Some personnel already had honorable discharges, while others did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits. Additionally, there were cases where individuals were released for reasons unrelated to their sexual orientation, such as violations of other military conduct standards, and therefore did not qualify for upgrades.
The Pentagon’s recent efforts have focused on ensuring that eligible veterans, whose sole reason for discharge was their LGBTQ status, receive the honorable recognition they deserve. Veterans advocacy groups have applauded this move, noting that for many individuals, the official recognition is an essential step in healing from years of stigma and discrimination.
Biden Administration’s Role in Correcting Past Discrimination
The Biden administration has been proactive in addressing issues affecting the LGBTQ community, including within the military. President Biden’s announcement of pardons in June was a clear signal of this commitment. By issuing pardons to service members convicted under the repealed military policies, the administration sought to mitigate the lasting consequences of past laws. This aligns with broader federal efforts to ensure that LGBTQ veterans who were unfairly dismissed can reclaim their honor and benefits.
The pardon was also seen as a necessary step in light of the severe consequences that dishonorable or less-than-honorable discharges have on veterans’ lives. By officially recognizing the injustice of past policies, the administration has taken a stand against discrimination and reaffirmed the principles of equality and fairness.
A Continuing Journey Toward Equality
The U.S. military has undergone significant changes in recent years regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ personnel. The repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” was a landmark decision that allowed service members to serve openly without fear of retribution. Still, the process of fully erasing the effects of past discrimination has been slow and, for many, remains an ongoing journey.
The Pentagon’s recent announcement is a critical milestone in this process, but it also highlights the need for continued vigilance. Advocates point out that the psychological impact of forced discharges, coupled with years of systemic exclusion, cannot be fully undone simply by upgrading a discharge status. Many veterans continue to live with the effects of those past injustices, and ongoing support is essential to their well-being.
Defense Secretary Austin acknowledged this in his statement, pledging that the Pentagon would “continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.” This commitment underscores the importance of upholding the values of inclusion and equality within the U.S. armed forces.
Broader Impact on Military Culture
Upgrading these discharges is not just a matter of correcting past wrongs; it reflects a broader cultural shift within the military. By officially recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ service members and addressing past discrimination, the Pentagon is reinforcing the message that the military values diversity and inclusion. This shift is essential not only for the well-being of service members but also for the strength and cohesion of the armed forces as a whole.
The changes over the years, from the repeal of DADT to recent discharge upgrades, signal an ongoing effort to ensure that military service is accessible to all who are willing and able to serve, regardless of their sexual orientation. It also emphasizes that discrimination has no place in the U.S. military, and the contributions of LGBTQ service members are as valuable and deserving of recognition as those of any other group.
Conclusion
The Pentagon’s announcement to upgrade more than 800 discharges for service members dismissed under “don’t ask, don’t tell” is a crucial step in addressing a painful chapter of U.S. military history. With the backing of President Biden and Defense Secretary Austin, the move represents ongoing efforts to rectify past injustices and honor the service of LGBTQ individuals who were unfairly treated. While much progress has been made, advocates stress that continued support and recognition are necessary to fully address the effects of past discrimination. The journey toward equality within the military continues, and this latest action is a testament to the commitment to inclusivity and fairness for all service members.
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