Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Work: Opening Up the Military

The active duty military is being stretched to the limit by the war on terror at the same time service members are being discharged in record numbers under "don't ask, don't tell." President Bush has called for increased recruitment causing renewed debate on everything from increasing already high monetary enlistment bonuses to the reinstatement of the draft. Meanwhile, top military leaders continue to resist a repeal of "don't ask, don't tell", a policy that some say conflicts national ideals, national security and our ability to maintain the strongest possible troop. There is however growing decent within and without the ranks on the merits of the compromise policy signed into law by Presidnt Bill Clinton which became effective in 1994.

Earlier this month Rep. Martin Meehan, D-Mass., introduced legislation to reapeal "don't ask, don't tell." The bill has over 100 bipartisian cosponsors who argue that the military needs all the qualified volunteers it can get. Among those testifying before a committee were Veteran Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, an Iraq war veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart.

Alva, noted that since 1993 more than 10,000 servicemen and women have been discharged for revelaing their sexulaity. Many of these were combat tested troops as well as Arabic translators. This after the famous 9/11 commision noted the need for more human intllegince which Arbic linquist provide. It has also been noted by the General Accounting Office (GAO) that it costs the American taxpayer $250 million to $1 billion to investigate and remove gays from the military. Alva isn't alone in his dissent over continuing "don't ask, don't tell."