Pentagon Upgrades Over 800 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Records to Honorable Discharges

Facts

• The Pentagon has upgraded the service records of over 800 military personnel who were discharged under the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy to honorable discharges, granting them access to previously denied benefits.^[1][2]
• The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, implemented in 1993 and repealed in 2011, allowed LGBTQ troops to serve in the armed forces as long as they didn't disclose their sexual orientation, resulting in approximately 13.5K service members being discharged for breaching the policy.^[3][4]
• The Pentagon has claimed that while the 'majority' were discharged honorably, nearly 2K had not received 'fully honorable characterizations.' Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of cases affected by the policy last year, leading to a probe of 851 cases, 96.8% of which received relief.^[5][1]
• This comes after Pres. Joe Biden issued unconditional pardons in June to service members convicted under the now-repealed Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which had forced out service members due to 'sexual orientation or gender identity' according to the Biden admin.^[6]
• The upgrade to honorable discharge status allows affected veterans to access various military benefits, including educational assistance, healthcare, pensions, and other benefits.^[5][1]
• A lawsuit filed in August 2023 by LGBTQ veterans challenging the military's failure to grant honorable discharges to those dismissed due to their sexual orientation is currently proceeding, with a US magistrate judge denying the Defense Department's request for dismissal.^[5][7]

Sources: ^[1]Al Jazeera, ^[2]Time, ^[3]NPR Online News, ^[4]NBC, ^[5]USA Today, ^[6]The White House and ^[7]Reuters.

Narratives

• Right narrative, as provided by FOX News. The Pentagon's focus on LGBTQ issues hinders readiness and recruitment in the military. Under the Biden administration, the Pentagon's commitment to woke culture war issues drives away potential enlistees as the US faces a complex national security environment. US military policy must focus on building strong capabilities in a dangerous world — not advancing left-leaning social agendas.
• Left narrative, as provided by Al Jazeera and Time. The Pentagon's decision to upgrade discharges is a significant step towards rectifying past discrimination against LGBTQ service members. It acknowledges the injustice of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and demonstrates a commitment to honoring the service of all troops, regardless of sexual orientation. This move, along with President Biden's pardons, shows progress in addressing historical wrongs and ensuring equal treatment for LGBTQ veterans.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by USA Today. While the upgrade of discharges is a positive development, it comes too late for many affected veterans who have already faced years of economic insecurity, housing instability, and mental health concerns due to their less-than-honorable discharges. The process of reviewing and upgrading discharges has been slow and burdensome for many veterans, and there are still thousands of cases that have not been addressed. More proactive measures are needed to ensure all affected veterans receive the recognition and benefits they deserve.