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In an unusual display of public candor (given the current environment on opposition to DADT repeal), a US Marine directly asked Secretary of Defense Robert Gates if those with moral opposition to homosexuality could resign:
“Sir, we joined the Marine Corps because the Marine Corps has a set of standards and values that is better than that of the civilian sector. And we have gone and changed those values and repealed the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy,” the sergeant told Gates during the question and answer session.
“We have not given the Marines a chance to decide whether they wish to continue serving under that. Is there going to be an option for those Marines that no longer wish to serve due to the fact their moral values have not changed?” he asked.
Despite Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen’s prior statements that those who disagreed could vote with their feet, Gates had a fairly blunt answer to the enlisted Marine: Read more
The Associated Press reported the US Air Force discharged an “Airman” under the current law prohibiting homosexuals from serving in the military, most commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The homosexual advocacy group Servicemembers Legal Defense Network was obviously disturbed:
Aubrey Sarvis of the advocacy group [SLDN] said the discharge underscores the need for officials to wrap up the repeal process “and put this ugly chapter in American history behind us.”
Sarvis apparently failed to at least consider how the Air Force characterized the discharge, emphasis added: Read more
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The recent controversy over the Navy’s apparent acceptance of homosexual marriages in base chapels (quickly reversed after Congressional disapproval) spurred a response by Chaplain endorsing agencies representing “over a thousand military chaplains.” The groups wrote a letter calling for conscience protections not only for Chaplains — but also for every servicemember:
When guidance…is forthcoming from senior leadership that implies protected status for those who engage in homosexual behavior and normalizes same-sex unions in base chapels, any outside observer would conclude that both homosexuality and homosexual unions officiated as marriages in base chapels are normative.
This creates an environment that is increasingly hostile to the many chaplains — and the service members they serve — whose faith groups and personal consciences recognize homosexual behavior as immoral and unsafe and do not permit same-sex unions.
For this reason, and particularly in light of the growing confusion regarding how DADT repeal will play out — indeed, we were told that issues like same-sex weddings were not a concern because of DOMA just months ago — we strongly encourage the adoption of broad, clear, and strong protections Read more
Head Navy Chaplain (Rear Adm) Mark Tidd has reportedly issued a “one-line” statement suspending his prior decision allowing US Navy Chaplains to perform homosexual marriages in military chapels.
As previously noted, members of Congress had objected to the announcement, saying it was in conflict with the Defense of Marriage Act.
If nothing else, the controversy stands in contrast to those who have had a dismissive attitude toward repeal, claiming it would be a non-event and transparent in its removal. As demonstrated by the concerns raised during training and the sensitivity of this announcement, it very evidently isn’t.
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Camp Pendleton Marines recently went through the required DADT training for the upcoming repeal of the policy most often known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Despite some people dismissing the concerns of servicemembers Read more
The House Armed Services Committee recently held hearings on the proposed repeal of the policies known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz joined Roughead in reporting to the committee about how implementation is going. All said training is going well.
While the testimony was interesting, it was largely overshadowed by the budget debate. Suffice it to say that while some consider repeal a “done deal,” there is still opposition both within the government and without to allowing homosexuals to serve in the military:
Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., pleaded with the military leaders: “You are the last force to stop this onerous policy.”
Much of the questioning focused on Chaplains and Read more