Below:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Pentagon has reportedly been publicizing the fact that “training” for repeal of the policy most often known as “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” has been “going exceptionally well<\/a>.”<\/p>\n In an interesting contrast, a milblogger at A Soldier’s Perspective<\/a> notes the careful semantics being used to put a positive spin on what is essentially a non-existent event:<\/p>\n I guess it depends on what the definition of “training” is. You see the Army hasn’t been asking our opinion. They haven’t gaged our reaction to the repeal of the bill\u2026hell, they haven’t even asked us what we think! In reality, we’re not even allowed to bring it up during the “training” that is forced upon us. Besides the changes haven’t even come yet!…<\/p>\n The only thing \u2013 and I mean THE ONLY THING \u2013 the DADT training has accomplished is telling the Soldiers what the DADT repeal means: gays can serve openly; gays will not have separate barracks rooms or facilities; etc. The training is so bland and scripted I doubt anyone could even tell you what they spent an hour listening to…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n It’s certainly an interesting perspective and contrast to the celebratory media reporting.\u00a0 Does the media really expect “turmoil or dire consequences” because someone stands in front of a room and says “DADT is being repealed?”<\/p>\n For its part, the US Army has a website up on DADT<\/a> that makes a point of reminding people DADT is, in fact, still the law.\u00a0 (In an odd situation, those who speak in support <\/em>of the law <\/em>have often been vilified, while those who oppose <\/em>obeying the law as it stands are not…)<\/p>\n The reminders may be important for another reason: repeal is not a foregone conclusion.\u00a0 In fact, few seem to realize the law signed in December specifically says that the current law may stand if the appropriate certification does not take place.\u00a0 Most have simply assumed the certification was a mere formality, which, of course, makes the training and certification process little more than an academic exercise.<\/p>\n The media continues to express surprise<\/a> that training<\/em> hasn’t had significant (or adverse<\/a>) impacts to current operations.<\/p>\n Perhaps the most surprising thing about these training sessions, now taking place for 2 million American service members stationed all over the world, is how mundane they seem, now that \u201cdon’t ask, don’t tell\u201d is all but dead, said military leaders as well as activists who pushed for repeal.<\/p>\n Gen. Peter Chiarelli, the Army’s vice chief of staff, has said the training \u201cseems to be a nonevent.\u201d<\/p>\n And at Offutt, no airmen thus far have requested to be discharged because they disagree with the military’s new policy on allowing openly gay troops, Ramage-White said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The article fails to note the “training” involves little more than stating what has already been described in the press.\u00a0 Nothing actually changes just because “training” takes place.\u00a0 The article also fails to note the DADT implementation plan stated any such discharge request would be denied, making requests like that futile.<\/p>\n In addition, no one said the training<\/em> would result in discharge requests or have any other impact on the service.<\/p>\n Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has said he sees “no obstacles”<\/a> to lifting the ban on homosexual service in the military.\u00a0 Gates is one of the leaders who will ultimately certify the Department of Defense ready for repeal.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n