Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In general, I tend to avoid these kinds of issues, but there appears to be a trend worth observing. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is popping up more and more recently, but what is interesting is that I am not seeing the politicians pushing the conversation so much as I see the Generals asking about it.

Commandant Gen. James Conway is polling his generals on the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

In a March 13 "P4" — personal-for message — to all 82 of his general officers, Conway asks four questions, including this one: "How strongly should we, as an institution, challenge the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy?" The other questions covered in the e-mail, which came under the subject line, "2009 UPDATE FOR THE COMMANDANT," covered priorities at a time of "dwindling budgets," seabasing and a general question about "any topic that you think is important and should influence the course and speed of the Corps."

Not sure if you noticed, but last month MG Mike Oates of the 10th Mtn Division asked a similar question on that units blog.

Would you support Congress changing the current law to permit gay Soldiers to serve openly in the Army? What are the benefits/challenges if this occurs and how would you recommend we implement the change in a professional manner if required?

My read is that the Generals are preparing for questions they expect to be asked about in testimony, and are doing what any good leader would do, taking a sample of their peoples opinions.

My guess is the Obama administration is positioning this issue for the Secretary of Defense after Gates. The first issue that must be addressed before any changes take place is that "Don't ask, Don't tell" is law, meaning even if the Obama administration wanted to change the policy, first they have to go to Congress.