As the end of ‘don't' ask, don't tell' approaches, many gay and lesbian people who have been discharged from the US military say they want to return. The New York Times reports that with 20 September deadline approaching, some estimates suggest hundreds of gay former service members have contacted recruiters or advocacy groups in hopes of re-enlisting. The Times says some are attracted by the stable pay and benefits that have proved elusive in their civilian lives. Others say they want to return to complete their service but on their own terms or express an idealistic desire to continue to serve. Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said former members discharged under the policy who want to return "will be evaluated according to the same criteria and requirements applicable to all others seeking re-entry into the military. "The services will continue to base accessions of prior-service members on the needs of the service and the skills and qualifications of the applicants," she said. More than 13,000 service members have been discharged under ‘don't ask, don't tell'.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 6th September 2011 - 7:02pm