There has been great debate recently about repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy currently enforced in the military. This policy allows homosexuals to fight in the military as long as they lie about their sexual orientation. Recently, however, there has been a push to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy so that men and women may serve their country no matter what their sexual orientation may be.
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” became policy in 1993 following Bill Clinton’s promise to allow citizens of the United States to serve in the military regardless of their sexual orientation. I believe that this policy is a great steppingstone in the continuing process to allow anyone, no matter their sexual orientation, to serve in the military. It seems fitting that the United States should allow homosexuals to serve because nations like Israel, France and Australia have already allowed homosexuals to serve openly in their militaries. Surveys of the efficiency of these countries’ militaries have given no evidence to substantiate adverse effects resulting from allowing homosexuals to openly serve. These countries are a testament to the effectiveness our military can have while employing homosexual troops.
There are many in the military who believe that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy should be repealed for a more inclusive policy.  As Medal of Honor recipient Thomas G. Kelley said, “You hear this nonsense about gays threatening unit cohesion. The real threat to that kind of cohesion, that sense of family, is when people are forced to acknowledge a lie. You have to be able to trust a soldier precisely for who he or she may be. That’s the only way cohesion takes place. It is called integrity.”
Other members of the military, namely Admiral Mike Mullen, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also believes that the United States should end the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  He argues that letting gays serve in the military is simply, “the right thing to do.” In a positive step, Admiral Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have begun a one-year study on how to properly make the transition to allow gays to openly serve in the military. They clearly feel that members of the military are not opposed to fighting alongside open homosexuals. The truth is that Congress recognizes this and it is only a matter of time before the United States becomes yet another nation to rid itself of ignorance and discrimination and allow gays in the military.
Our nation prides itself on tolerance and diversity. If we are not willing to accept the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which allows homosexuals to serve in the military as long as they keep their sexual orientation to themselves, then we must think about what is best for our military and respect every active duty member and veteran by repealing this unjust policy.