Don't Ask, Don't Tell

After World War II the United States Congress wrote laws to prohibit homosexuals from openly serving in the military. The rationale was based on unit cohesion and fear that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly could negatively impact recruiting and retention. President Clinton was responsible for the updated policy in effect today known as "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (DADT), now almost 15 years old. This USAWC resident student paper provides the historical background and then examines the DADT policy in light of current research findings with respect to: changes in society, emerging doctrine, impact on college campuses and recruiting, impact on foreign militaries for which the ban has been lifted, and in police and fire departments where no ban exists.