The End of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
The Impact in Studies and Personal Essays by Service Members and Veterans
Edited by J. Ford Huffman and Tammy S. Schultz
DOI: 10.56686/9780160905469
ABOUT THE BOOK
The inspiration for this book came from some research Tammy Schultz conducted on the desegregation of the military. Finding African American and white voices from that era, as well as policy recommendations, proved a herculean task. Having all of these voices and recommendations in one place, she thought, would be a researcher’s dream. As noted in Dr. Schultz’s previous research, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) is not analogous to desegregation of the U.S. military. That said, for those researching the issues, policy makers desiring specific recommendations, or those simply wanting to learn more about the topic, the process of understanding is much the same. In some ways, getting voices on the record for DADT proved even more difficult because until 20 September 2011, one could not be openly gay or lesbian and serve in the U.S. armed forces. Nor could one tell by just looking at a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine if he or she were gay—self-identification, something that goes against a culture that values the team above the individual, is necessary.
This book includes two parts in order to achieve its vision. The first part contains reports that shed light on the way forward for the services and policy makers. The second gives voice to those who have served under DADT, both gay and straight, and highlights their personal experience under this policy.
ABOUT THE EDITORS
J. Ford Huffman is an editor, writer, educator, designer, and artist whose nonfiction book reviews appear regularly in the Military Times newspapers. His articles have appeared in USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, Hindustan Times, and Carnegie Corporation’s Reporter magazine. Tammy S. Schultz, PhD, is the director of the national security and joint warfare department and professor of strategic studies at the Marine Corps War College. In 2010, she won the Dr. Elihu Rose Award for teaching excellence at Marine Corps University and was the 2011 nominee from the Marine Corps War College. Dr. Schultz also teaches in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
J. Ford Huffman and Tammy S. Schultz
Part One: The Reports
After Repeal: Lessons from Foreign Militaries
Nora Bensahel
The Case for Military Family Readiness: Support for the Committed Same-Sex Partners and Families of Gay Service Members
LtCol Thomas Dolan, USMC, and Cdr Randall J. Biggs, USN
An Analysis of Opinion: The Impact of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Its Repeal, and the Proposed Plan to Implement the Repeal
Maj Darrel L. Choat, USMC
It’s Time to Redefine the Marine Warrior
Maj Alasdair B. G. Mackay, USMC
Part Two: The Essays
Introduction to the Essays
J. Ford Huffman
To Think Critically and Creatively, to Dare to Know
Col Michael F. Belcher, USMC (Ret)
Serving While Openly Gay: Coming Out in 1993 and Serving as a Gay Marine
Justin Crockett Elzie
An Openly Gay Navy Officer for Four Years
R. Dirk Selland
Women at War: I Represent the People Whose Voices Aren’t Heard
Vernice Armour
A High Five Instead of a Kiss
Kristen Kavanaugh
In a Combat Zone I Was Worried That I Would Be Found Out
Julianne H. Sohn
Return to Duty: Gay Troops Will Continue to Conduct Themselves with Honor
Antonio G. Agnone
I Hope to Resume My Career as an Officer and Leader
Michael D. Almy
A Law That Said I Am Not Good Enough to Serve
David Hall
Repeal is a Testament to the Core Values of the United States
Joseph Christopher Rocha
One of My Best Friends: Of 5,936 Floggings, Only 5 for “Homosexual Offenses”
Mark D. Faram
Joe’s Story is the One I Tell Most Often
Seth Moulton
At Ease with Myself: I Allowed Law to Compromise Honor, Courage, Commitment
Maj Darrel L. Choat, USMC
It Is Possible That Someone in the Room Is Gay
Maj Dirk Diener, USMC
Coming Out to a Fellow Marine Was No Big Deal
Brian Fricke
“Buck Up and Serve Honorably”
Justin H. Johnson
After a First Salute to Two New Officers, Devastation
Ed Luna
The Moral Dilemma of Honor and Deception
Maj Alasdair B. G. Mackay, USMC
Investigated 17 Times in 23 Years of Service
Kristen L. Tobin
A Legacy of the Holocaust, Normandy, and Vietnam
Stacy J. Vasquez
Marching Forward: A Time to Empower Gay Troops to Speak for Themselves
Lara A. Ballard
The Knife Is Out of Their Backs
Michelle M. Benecke
Reactions from Indifference to Open Support
SFC David Cogdill, USA
The Law Magnified a Cultural Barrier
Andrew Harris
Services Will Get On with the Business at Hand
Brendan P. Kearney
Appendix: Historical Documents
They Are Already There
Senator Jim Webb
What the Service Chiefs Said: Statements to the Senate
From the Commandant and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, 28 January 2011
Certification of Readiness to Implement Repeal, 22 July 2011