The U.S. Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

"N this narrative overview, Embser-Herbert explores the history of the policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the federal law restricting the military service of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. She traces the policy from its origins in the early 1990s through its evolution and implementation into law in the United States military and evaluates the impact of post-9/11 events on the military, the policy, and the ongoing debate surrounding the existence of the policy itself as lawmakers consider its repeal." "Her three-part history of DADT begins with a brief look at earlier policies that preceded it, a discussion of events in 1992-1993 that resulted in the passage and implementation of the new law, and an examination of the law's impact on the military. She also compares the policy to that of other nations, such as Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, that eliminated similar restrictions as they sought ways to avoid a potential manpower shortage in their armed forces." "The War on Terror has returned DADT to the public spotlight. Embser-Herbert examines U.S. experiences in Iraq and Mghanistan and what they can teach about gays and lesbians in the military. She concludes Part I with an analysis of whether the law might be repealed or overturned. Part II of the handbook provides summaries of key legal decisions, and Part III contains key documents, such as the language of the law itself and excerpts from current military regulations and training manuals. The book also includes a chronology of events, glossary of terms, and an annotated bibliography. Melissa Sheridan Embser-Herbert is Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology at Hamline University, Saint Paul, Minnesota." --Book Jacket.