In the past week, there’ve been lots of reflection on the past year especially since this week marks the anniversary of the signing of the DADT repeal bill. Additionally, we’re three months out from the actual repeal going into effect. And, well, the end of the year is always a time to look back fondly or otherwise at the past 12 months and how far we’ve come or how much we’ve regressed.
With all the pomp and circumstance that many are likely to engage in with regard to DADT repeal, it is way too easy to overlook the facts. Aside from the kisses, weddings, and whatnot, there are some quantifiable strides that have been made since September 20th.
Enter Nathaniel Frank and his latest report, “Accountability and DADT: A Framework for Assessing Predictions of Disruption Caused by Openly Gay Military Service.”
In the report, Frank takes a look at the predictions made by repeal opponents that allowing gays to serve would disrupt society and the military. In the overview, he states, “These predictions are all empirical assertions; they can be proven or disproven with research based on the experience of the U.S. with openly gay service.“
The report takes a look at six categories:
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Increase HIV/AIDS and Other Health Problems in the Military
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Increase Sexual Assaults in the Military
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Undermine Morale, Readiness and Unit cohesion
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Harm Recruiting and Retention, Requiring a Return of the Draft
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Increase Casualties
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Hurt National Security and Threaten the American Way of Life
Report: Accountability and DADT: A Framework for Assessing Predictions of Disruption Caused by Openly Gay Military Service, Nathaniel Frank, December 2011
I deal with such information a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.
