Operation Just Cause... ...for as long as it takes
By Jim Garamone
WASHINGTON -- All service members will undergo training
that will clarify DoD's "don't ask, don't tell, don't
pursue" policy on homosexuals in the military, DoD
officials said Aug. 13.
The policy -- promulgated in 1994 -- allowed homosexuals to
stay in the services so long as they did not discuss their
sexual orientation. Conversely, supervisors are not to ask
subordinates about their sexual orientation.
No major changes to the policy are contemplated, said DoD
officials. The clarification was based on recommendations
sent to Rudy de Leon, undersecretary of defense for
personnel and readiness, by a DoD working group in April
1998.
The group's recommendations have received more prominence
due to the death July 5 of Army Pfc. Barry Winchell at Fort
Campbell, Ky. Winchell was beaten to death with a baseball
bat allegedly because he was gay. An Article 32 hearing is
under way at the post deciding whether to charge Pvt.
Calvin Glover with murder.
Pentagon officials want all harassment to stop. Under the
new guidelines, recruits will receive training explaining
harassment of any service member is unacceptable. "The
bottom line is to treat all others with respect and
dignity," said DoD spokesperson Army Lt. Col. Catherine
Abbott.
De Leon signed two memos dealing with the homosexual
conduct policy. One requires that DoD guidance on the
homosexual policy be "effectively disseminated to all
levels of command" and be made part of training programs
for law enforcement personnel, commanders and supervisors.
The memo requires the instruction to be incorporated into
recruit training and for service members to attend
refresher training thereafter.
The other memo seeks to institute consistent and fair
application of the policy. It recommends installation staff
judge advocates consult with senior legal officers prior to
the initiation of an investigation into alleged homosexual
conduct.
If commanders wish to initiate an investigation into
whether a service member made a statement regarding his or
her homosexuality just to get out of serving in the
military, it must be approved at the military department
level.
Finally, the memo tasks service inspectors general to
specifically check on the training of commanders, attorneys
and investigators, who are charged with application of the
homosexual policy.
Defense Secretary William Cohen said most commanders
understand the policy and institute it fairly. "The
department is determined to implement the homosexual
conduct policy with fairness to all concerned," Cohen said
in a written statement. "I've made it clear there is no
room for harassment or threats in the military. I've
instructed the military services to make sure that the
policy is clearly understood and fairly enforced."
In 1998, DoD discharged 1,145 service members under the
policy. Most of those were discharged because the
individuals came forward.
Sent in by Veterans News and Information Services
American Forces Press Service
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