The Pentagon announced that hundreds of veterans dismissed from the U.S. military under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy have been given honorable discharges following a yearlong review. Nearly 2,000 veterans were separated with less than fully honorable characterizations, and after the repeal of the policy, they could appeal for an upgrade to an honorable discharge to receive full military benefits. Many of those affected were unaware they could do so, prompting a proactive review by the Defense Department.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that 96.8% of the 851 cases reviewed qualified for relief, allowing LGBTQ+ Americans who served in the military to be recognized for their service. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was in effect from 1994 to 2011 and resulted in the discharge of over 13,000 service members, with historians estimating that at least 100,000 individuals were forced out of the military due to their sexuality from World War II to 2011.
Under President Biden’s leadership, the Department of Defense has taken steps to address the harm caused by the policy and provide relief to those affected. The announcement of the honorable discharges for veterans dismissed under “don’t ask, don’t tell” marks a significant milestone in recognizing and correcting the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ service members in the military.
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