2012: DADT is truly d-e-a-d

Homecoming:
USMC Sgt. Brandon Morton
 and boyfriend Dalan Wells 

Senator John McCain and other Republicans insisted the sky would fall if gay men and lesbians were allowed to serve in the military (notwithstanding that many were already serving proudly). It's been one year since the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" took effect, and there is an increasing body of evidence--anecdotal and scientific--that demonstrates that there worries are misplaced.

A 2012 UCLA study, which included military professors from all U.S. service academies, found that ending the policy "has had no negative impact on overall military readiness or its component parts: unit cohesion, recruitment, retention, assaults, harassment or morale."

The study sought anti-gay advocacy groups to learn of any harm that has occurred, and wrote to more than 500 retired generals who signed a 2009 letter predicting that the repeal "would eventually break the All-Volunteer Force." But the interviews, and those of gay and straight service members, found no substantial concerns, even among those who remained opposed to openly gay service.

Homecoming:
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Marissa Gaeta and
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Citlalic Snell

"Removing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' in short, has enhanced bonding, trust, discipline, and the rule of law inside the military, by eliminating conditions that had bred suspicion and mistreatment," the study's co-author, Nathaniel Frank, told Slate. A full copy of his article is available here.

Of course, the study has not settled the matter, at least as Republicans in Congress are concerned. In the National Defense Authorization Act, which is awaiting final passage, Rep. Todd ("Legitimate Rape") Akin of Missouri succeeded in inserting an anti-gay "conscience clause" into the bill. It later was watered down, reaffirming the right of troops and chaplains to hold anti-gay views as long as they are not discriminating against LGB service members. Although Akin will no longer be around, others in the House are eager to take his place. One congressman, Buck McKeon of California, has vowed to continue the fight.