In an interesting turn of events, Lt Dan Choi, a widely-known homosexual US Army National Guard soldier facing discharge, and former Capt Jim Pietrangelo, who was reportedly discharged in 2004 for being homosexual, handcuffed themselves to the White House perimeter fence on Thursday.  Both were in uniform, though Pietrangelo did not appear to have a name tape.  (If the dates are correct, the Army uniform he was wearing entered service after his discharge, so he likely never wore it in the Army.)  They were arrested when they refused to leave.

While an intriguing turn of events in regard to DADT, another interesting result is the blatant disregard Choi showed for military protocol.  It seems evident (as a military officer is quoted as surmising) that Choi violated military regulations by participating in political protests while in uniform (though it is not the first time he has done so).  Navy Chaplain Klingenschmitt previously faced the same charge (despite the fact that he changed out of his uniform for the political portion of the event), and his subsequent court martial was largely applauded by his critics.

Choi has placed himself in a position in which his supporters must defend him not only against the law banning homosexuals from serving in the military, but also standard military regulations governing conduct in the armed forces–a potential distraction from the cause for which he fights.  It appears Choi has undermined his own professional officership and credibility by participating in a political protest while in uniform.

With regard to the military, issues with Pietrangelo may be more complex, since it would appear he is a civilian protesting in a US military uniform.