This is all getting very confusing. Within the past few weeks there have been some major developments in the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal process, all of which I have failed to mention here. Each turn in events has had its own reason for staying out of my blog, and I’m not going to use my packed schedule as an excuse.
Earlier this month, DADT was declared dead by a court order by the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. I couldn’t help but to think I’ll believe it when I see it. It seemed all too familiar. Nor could I help but think of last fall when I heard a similar news story come across my car’s radio as I listened to NPR one afternoon.
Flash forward to last week as my inner pessimist was getting ready to say “I told you so.” As it appeared a full reversal of the court order was imminent, a statement was released about a compromise. As of right now DADT is still on the books, but gay service members can officially not be prosecuted. So now we’re back to the same confusion I mentioned in my post on Mutual Respect.
Since I wasn’t planning on coming out prior to the policy-sanctioned 60 day post-certification waiting period, I am still in exactly the same place I was at the beginning of the month. On the ground level, I don’t think most troops care who gets the credit for finally ending DADT, but I think there is definitely confusion stemming from the rapid changes in official status of the policy, but ultimately slow move toward finalizing repeal.
Once again, I can’t help but feel like a political pawn.
– Officer X is a young, gay military officer who is currently serving on active duty despite the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on open service. He is a pilot and regularly flies throughout the world both in and out of combat. His views are his alone and do not reflect the opinions of the U.S. military, its branches, or any organization. Follow him on Twitter @TIMEOfficerX or email him TIMEOfficerX@gmail.com