Gay Veteran Separated From Military

The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy used by the DoD has existed now for more than fifteen years. That policy’s days may be numbered as President Obama had openly vowed to rescind the policy as part of his administration’s actions on social equality. However, his intention was not realized soon enough for Army Lieutenant Dan Choi, a 2003 West Point graduate and Iraqi Freedom combat veteran, who recently joined the New York National Guard only to be discharged for his homosexuality. While the issue’s recent development has been simmering on the backburner for several months, LT Choi’s situation may have forced it back into the forefront. The Secretary of Defense is already speaking out about possible exceptions of applicability to the policy and its effect on service members. As LT Choi’s situation will show, the policy is forcing out soldiers with much needed skills (he speaks fluent Arabic) and also creating a situation were combat veterans will be denied earned benefits by the nature of the policy’s discharge.