AMVETS: “NO HASTY REPEAL OF DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”

AMVETS calls for completion of Pentagon study before making legislative changes

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2010—This afternoon Congress is set to vote on an amendment to the 2011 defense budget that would set the stage to overturn the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, or DADT, barring homosexuals from openly serving in the U.S. military.

AMVETS, which has voiced support of the Pentagon’s study on potentially overturning DADT, is opposed to the amendment and calls on Congress to allow the Pentagon to complete its review first.

“AMVETS supports allowing any and all patriotic Americans an opportunity to serve in our military, and we’ve consistently stressed that any decision to overturn DADT must be done in a thoughtful, pragmatic manner,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin. “The best interests of the military need to be considered first, which is why the Pentagon’s study is critical to the process. We can’t simply overturn DADT and deal with any unintended consequences after the fact, while trying to fight two wars.”

Recognizing the issues facing the military’s structure and to social problems associated with DADT, AMVETS members voted on a resolution at last summer’s national convention, calling for the Pentagon to address broader social issues to ensure a responsible end to the stop-gap measure instituted in the 1990s.

When Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen announced the Pentagon review of the policy, AMVETS lauded the decision as a critical step in ensuring the equitable treatment of all who wished to serve in the U.S. military.

AMVETS leaders will continue to follow the debate on DADT closely. For updates, check back regularly with the official blog of American Veteran magazine at http://americanveteranmagazine.blogspot.com.

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.