Don't Ask Don't Tell and Equal Opportunity

After reviewing the analysis of the Don't Ask Don't Tell survey results the military has compiled, there is one piece of data that sticks out in my mind that the media has not picked up on: homosexuals will not be a protected class if don't ask don't tell is repealed.

This is an important piece of information that has been not been reported on. There are those people that may feel homosexuals could be discriminated against if they are not a protected class. They may not get duty assignments due to their sexuality, they may not get housing assignments because of their sexual preferences, or they may not get promoted.

The motivation of not making homosexuals a protected class is because the military does not want to give special privileges to someone based on their sexual preferences. Gays and lesbian service members will be in the same barracks as other service members, they will receive the same treatment as others, and they will have the same advancement potential as other. This is why Admiral Mike Mullen stated that this is a leadership issue, not a diversity issue.

If homosexuality was considered an EO issue and a protective class, then the issue of reverse discrimination would arise. You would have service members receiving special barracks or housing on a ship because of their sexual orientation. You could have service member requesting special treatment or benefits because of their sexuality. One of the main goals of the military has always been unity, not diversity. We are one strong military force with a common goal. While the military comprises of the mix of society and every service member enters with their own religion, race, nationality and sexual orientation, they become one military. Without this unity missions may not be accomplished, mishaps occur, people die.

Leaders will be responsible for enforcing existing policy for fraternization or sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is sexual harassment regardless if is same sex harassment or not. The same is true with fraternization. Service members cannot have relationship with members within their chain of command currently. The same will still apply when homosexuals are serving.

Another interesting piece of data from the analysis is that most service members stated they would not want to participate in command functions if homosexuals were attending. While the survey participants did not say why, one can speculate that since many members did not have a problem serving professionally with gay service members, they did not feel they should have to attend social events with them. Keep professional life separate from personal life.

The repeal of don't ask don't tell will have some growing pains and challenges. Leaders will have to be very aware of their people and will have to enforce policy like they currently do. We have the best people serving in the best military. We treat each other with respect, if we don't, we find a new job.