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Compiled By GayToday
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Washington, D.C.--The Air Force has announced it has currently implemented a thirty-day 'stop-loss' order, temporarily suspending some administrative discharges, but exempting discharges "for cause," including discharges under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
The Air Force order, which was implemented on September 22nd, includes language specifically instructing leaders to continue processing gay discharges despite halting many other discharges. |
 Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld |
C. Dixon Osburn, Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) noted that the order singles out lesbian, gay and bisexual service members for second class treatment. "It is detrimental to our military and our nation as a whole whenever we lose qualified men and women in our armed forces," Osburn said.
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The Air Force is the first branch of the armed forces to implement a stop-loss order, which was authorized last week by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in anticipation of a wide-spread military mobilization. SLDN noted that the other services - the Army, Navy and marine Corps - have not yet issued stop-loss orders. Though it is not yet known when those orders may be issued, a decision is expected within the next two to four weeks.
SLDN noted, however, that all service members - regardless of the branch in which they serve - should continue to operate with the knowledge that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' remains in full effect.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Pentagon's Repeal of Gay/Lesbian Discharges Not Guaranteed
Pentagon Expert on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Missing After Attack
Related Sites:
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
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