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Gay Alaskan Soldiers Can Now Serve OpenlyTuesday marked the official repeal of the Don't Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which forced military personnel to hide their sexuality for nearly two decades.Related Content
For the first time in U.S. history, openly gay men and women can now serve in the military.
Since 1993, the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy has required service members to hide their sexual orientation, but now the policy is officially over. Congress repealed DADT last December, and President Obama signed the certification of the repeal back in July. The law, however, didn’t go into effect until a 60-day waiting period passed. Since then, military branches across the country have been preparing for the transition. So far, 2.2 million military personnel have been training for the repeal, including soldiers at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The Pentagon says 97 percent of the U.S military has undergone training as part of the new law. “We went through different levels of training that included computer-based training, in-class training,” said Maj. Guy Hayes, spokesman for the Alaska National Guard. The military has begun accepting applications from openly gay recruits, but qualifications to serve will still remain the same. “Sexual orientation does not matter. We’re looking for professionals, qualified candidates-we’re going to treat everybody with dignity and respect,” said Hayes. Guard officials say there won’t be any significant changes moving forward. “We’re just going to continue what we do everyday and that’s defend Alaska and protect the United States,” he said. |
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Military Mom said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 3:49 PM
Live and let live! It doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is. People serve our country because they WANT to. Nothing should get in the way of that!!
74158772Qanertrua said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 3:16 PM
Put all of them in the frontline...
74157508Sue said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 2:38 PM
The fear and hatred toward gays is what is sick, disgusting and ungodly. The people with these attitudes are the ones who cause major problems and are more likely to cause the end of the human race.
74155911mark said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 2:00 PM
signey i love you!!! the other ones are nothing more than rednecks peace!!!
74154307Signey said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 12:28 PM
"Fields of people, there's no such thing as a weed. Seeds of hatred, plant them and soon they will breed." The Move All of us are flawed. All of us are worthy. Treat others as you wish to be treated. It is not for us to judge. Love.
74149511Dan said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 12:24 PM
When you have this kind of disturb people's in the military. They are not in there right mind. So when you have a life and death situation. Alot of good normal people's who know from right and wrong. Will end up paying the price for a few ungodly and disgusting peoples.Who can't figure out in there mind if they are going to act like a male or female who at the time or holding a weapon that can kill good normal family people.That is the reason why there is Women for Man and Man for Women. lf Man stop being with the Women and Women stop being with the Man then the Human race will come to a end. Now everyone think about this before it is to late.
74149234Stephanie said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 11:50 AM
Because dying/fighting for your country in a sickness.
74147364Retired military officer said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 10:53 AM
This is really a sad time in our military history, to accept and approve of such an ungodly and disgusting lifestyle of the homosexuals. Do we no longer have any leaders with common sense and the backbone to stand up for what is best for everyone. This can only cause many problems. I am so glad I am not still on active duty. May God help us!
74144298Derek said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 10:45 AM
Sick people? Being gay isn't a sickness that can be cured!
74143833John said on Wednesday, Sep 21 at 10:32 AM
That is a very bad. When you have those kind of sick people there.They cause major problems.
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