Nearly 4 years in, what effect has the repeal of DADT had on our military?

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:18:52 -0400

We are approaching 4 years since Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was repealed. What affect, if any, has it had on our military? Can you offer examples to support your view? Is there any correlation with the repeal and the hyper-vigilant effort to stamp out sexual harrassment? Or are they two different issues? Is our military entering a new era of professionalism and integrity in the area of sexual ethical behavior? Many issues about sexual behavior seem to be in the forefront now. How, if any, are these issues related?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 8:21 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:21:51 -0400

I had a male NCO bring his male date to our redeployment ball. The world didn't explode or anything.

I had several females in my battalion get married to other females. The world didn't explode or anything.

I haven't really seen any difference in the way the Army operates since the DADT was repealed. I have only seen Soldiers that have found partners to spend their lives with.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 8:24 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:24:51 -0400

The DADT program was after my time of service.

But, I do not feel it should have any affect other than to allow people the freedom to be who they are.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 11 at 2015 8:41 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:41:39 -0400

"Non-Event" was the best quote I heard.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 11 at 2015 8:41 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:41:00 -0400

It allowed some of our brothers and sisters to stop living double lives. Who you love has no effect on your efficacy in killing. Trying to pretend a major part of your life is different than reality does have an affect on that efficacy.

We have become a more efficient and lethal fighting force because of the change of that policy.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 11 at 2015 10:52 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 11 May 2015 10:52:46 -0400

I have seen a few people bring it up, "hey you heard, that person is (insert here)", however it has not affected the mission in any way. Some still prefer to keep their preferences to themselves.

Overall quoting CSM Private RallyPoint Member "the world didn't explode or anything."

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:20 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:20:24 -0400

I never cared. I never will. Do your job, be a team player, come to me if you have a problem.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 3:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:00:55 -0400

I agree, it was a non-event. I see it kind of like the integration of the services. The same arguments were used against it by those opposed.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 3:05 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:05:54 -0400

I honestly cant tell any differences. Im sure basic training and tech schools/AIT had some issues to over come but that was to be expected. At the same time when did you ever have time to do the dirty at basic? If we all live our core values I don't see any issues period.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 11 at 2015 8:47 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 11 May 2015 20:47:33 -0400

Let's see, I went on about my day. I have gay Soldiers right now under my leadership. I don't think of them being gay really; I see them as Soldiers and I treat them as such and as adults. Adjusting to DADT wasn't really a challenge to me as might have been for others.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 1:46 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 01:46:40 -0400

I absolutely call it a win, much like SSG Thornton said. It wasn't a non-event, it was an improvement that was properly treated as a non-event.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 8:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 20:13:37 -0400

Sir, to answer your questions.
What affect, if any, has it had on our military?
- When looking at this from my position at the platoon and company level there is very little evidence to suggest that there has been a negative or positive impact. To be honest I would say overall it has had a larger positive impact. Simply because we limit the talent pool in the military by not allowing service based on sexual preference.

Is there any correlation with the repeal and the hyper-vigilant effort to stamp out sexual harassment? Or are the two separate issues?
-I say no. While there may have been instances where sexual harassment may have surfaced I would venture to guess that a majority of the harassment against homosexuals was just that, harassment. So, while they could have been potentially connected I think that they are two separate issues and should be treated as such.

Is our military entering a new era of professionalism and integrity in the area of sexual ethical behavior?
-Short answer here is no. I am sure many will disagree here, but, before you attack me let me argue my case. Harassment in any form, assault in any form is unacceptable. <--period. This is not a new realm, and we haven't changed our minds as leaders on this subject. The difference is that the Army has recognized a problem with culture and has decided to educate its Soldiers on it. I would go as far to guess, (this is a guess not validated by anyone) That through the Army's emphasis on the seriousness of these offenses and the education on these topics it has created more reporting of these events. So to summarize, the Army has entered a new era of education on professionalism and sexual/ethical behavior.

Many issues about sexual behavior seem to be in the forefront now. How, if any, are these issues related?
-I think this is due partly to publicity of the problem. Sexual assault / harassment is a problem in the entire country. According to rainn.org there are 293,000 persons over the age of 12 sexually assaulted a YEAR. The DOD (all branches) reported about 3600 cases of sexual assault in 2012. For a military at about 2.7M in 2012 that was less than 1%, .133 repeating to be exact. For the US national average it was closer to .09% of reported incidents. None of this is acceptable, but we are comparable to the rest of the US when it comes down to it. I would be interested to break these numbers down even more.

With all of this being said. Whether you agree or disagree. One thing stands out as most important. Discrimination based on ANY bias and sexual assault/harassment is unacceptable. I feel that the military is headed in the right direction in combating this issue.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 29 at 2015 1:48 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 29 May 2015 01:48:22 -0400

1.) When I was "in," we got hammered with bi-annual, requisite "sensitivity training." We had to sit through endless briefings about sexual harassment and equality in the work place. I hated it. Since entering the civilian world, I haven't attended one of those types of classes. To this point, the U.S. military is light years ahead of the civilian world with these issues. In reflection, I'm a better man for attending that training.

2.) Since 10 November 1775, the mission of the Combat Element hasn't changed: Marines still locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat. If they could put hot lead on target, I wanted 'em right next to me. Period.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 9:34 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 09:34:05 -0400

I remember the lead up to the repeal. There was so much ignorant hate by people thinking they were god's gift to gay eyes. Then it was repealed and I walked into work that day and NOTHING HAPPENED! I have noticed nothing except the occasional person can say "I'm gay", good for you man. That's it, nobody even notices or really cares anymore. There's the occasional gay joke, but I've seen no serious hate, or fear of coming out.