Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

A “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Handbook

Author Melissa Embser-Herbert explores the history of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," in a new book just released from Praeger Security International publishing. Embser-Herbert's new work traces the law from its origins in the early 1990s through its evolution and implementation into law in the United States military. She also evaluates the impact of post-9/11 events on the military, the law, and the ongoing debate surrounding the existence of the policy itself as lawmakers consider its repeal. Her three-part history of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" begins with a brief look at earlier policies that preceded it, a discussion of events in 1992-1993 that resulted in the passage and implementation of the new law, and an examination of the law's impact on the military. She also compares the policy to that of other nations, such as Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, that eliminated similar restrictions as they sought ways to avoid a potential manpower shortage in their armed forces. Embser-Herbert also examines U.S. experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan and what they can teach about gays and lesbians in the military. She concludes Part I with an analysis of whether the law might be repealed or overturned. Part II of the handbook provides summaries of key legal decisions, and Part III contains key documents, such as the language of the law itself and excerpts from current military regulations and training manuals. The book also includes a chronology of events, glossary of terms, an annotated bibliography and a foreword by SLDN advisory council member Lawrence J. Korb. The U.S. Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy: A Reference Handbook is now available online.

Labels: books

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11-13-07