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Compiled By GayToday
Washington, D.C.-The Servicemember's Legal Defense Network (SLDN) has released the following "Survival Guide" addressing the questions of gay and lesbian military personnel:
How Will The Current Military Mobilization Affect 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'
The "Don't, Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass" Policy Remains In Full Effect For All Services.
Service members should operate with the knowledge that the gay ban is still in effect.
What Is a Stop-Loss Order and What Does It Mean For Gay Discharges?
A stop-loss order suspends certain administrative discharges during times of war or conflict to help the Pentagon and Services retain sufficient personnel for combat readiness.
President Bush has authorized the Secretary of Defense to issue a stop-loss order, and the Secretary of Defense has authorized his Service Secretaries to issue a stop loss order for each Service.
No stop loss order at this time affects gay discharges.
As of September 27, 2001, only the Air Force has implemented a "stop-loss" order. The Air Force stop-loss order does not apply to discharges under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass."
The Navy is expected to issue a stop-loss order by September 28, 2001.
The Army and Marine Corp has not issued a stop-loss order, but is expected to do so.
What Should I Do If I Want to Reenlist to Fight, But I Was Previously Kicked Out For Being Gay?
Some veterans discharged for being gay are seeking to rejoin the military in response to the attacks on our country.
The desire to reenlist is understandable. Lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans are brave, Patriotic and devoted to duty.
Those who have been discharged for being lesbian, gay or bisexual are barred from re-enlistment.
GLBT veterans who are seeking to rejoin the military should contact the SLDN legal department at either legal@sldn.org or at (202) 328-3244 to discuss their options in more detail.
As a Service Member, What Will Happen To Me If I Come Out As Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual During the Military Mobilization?
SLDN remains committed to assisting any servicemember being harmed by the "Don't, Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass" policy. Ultimately, service members must decide for themselves whether or not to tell others that they are lesbian, gay or bisexual, knowing the risks involved.
What Does The Current Military Mobilization Mean For Reservists and Those in the National Guard?
The President has authorized the call up of selected reservists and the federalization of some National Guard units.
The "Don't, Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass" policy applies to all reserve, national guard, and active duty personnel.
How Should I Notify My Family In Case of Emergency?
Keep emergency contact data information up to date.
A service member may designate anyone to be notified in case the service member becomes wounded in action, missing in action, or killed in action. These people may be listed on your record of emergency data or page 2 as "an interested person to be notified." The services will make every effort to notify the people listed. However primary and secondary next of kin will be notified first and they generally must be a spouse or a blood relative.
A service member can designate anyone to receive their unpaid pay or Serviceman's Group Life Insurance.
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