June 3, 2011
By Sharonda Pearson, ARNEWS
WASHINGTON (Army News Service) — In preparation of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, the Army has launched a new website to provide servicemembers and their families the most up-to-date information about the change.
The website features current news articles, key facts, frequently asked questions and additional resources. It is just one of the many training resources the Army implemented to educate the force and minimize misconceptions about the repeal.
“It’s a way for the Army to provide the latest and greatest information about the repeal to Soldiers, family members and the public,” said Lt. Col Timothy M. Beninato, public affairs advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and Army G-1.
Current policies remain in effect, and the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, or DADT, law will stay in place until 60 days after the president, secretary of defense and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff certify that the repeal can be implemented “consistent with the standards of military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, and military recruiting and retention.”
To ensure the transition is as seamless as possible, the Army has adopted a three-tier training approach to ensure that repeal of DADT doesn’t undermine force readiness, recruitment and retention.
Tier one targets special staff and key individuals like chaplains, lawyers, and inspectors general. Tier two focuses on commanders and supervisors. Finally, tier three focuses on the rest of the force.
Available resources include presentation slides with narration, scripts, frequently asked questions, vignettes, DoD policy guidance, implementation plans and service-specific material.
To improve the depth and breadth of feedback, the Army’s DADT site contains a comment section where visitors can provide feedback or ask questions about the policy.
“Currently, the chain of command is the primary means for asking questions, which can significantly limit non-military individual’s ability to ask questions about the repeal,” Beninato said.
Beninato said senior leaders felt it was essential to provide another forum where all interested parties would have the opportunity to ask questions and comment.
The DADT Repeal website can be viewed at: www.army.mil/dadt