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SLDN Repudiates General’s Remarks

I was upset to learn of recent anti-gay comments made by Italian General Mauro Del Vecchio, former commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. In an interview with the Italian news service Agenzia Giornalistica Italia (AGI), Del Vecchio told reporters he believes lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel are “unsuitable” for military service. The General went on to say, “in a structure like the army, where activities are always carried out together, it is advisable not to declare or reveal one's homosexuality.” These comments are shocking, insensitive and disrespectful to the 47,000 multi-national troops, including Americans, who served under Del Vecchio as part of the NATO force in Afghanistan. 19,000 Americans served under General Del Vecchio’s command in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2006. The Williams Project at the University of California-Los Angeles estimates at least 65,000 lesbian and gay Americans are currently serving on active duty and the reserves. Another 1 million gay Americans, the group has estimated, are veterans of the armed forces. American service members, along with our international allies, make tremendous sacrifices every day in Afghanistan, and deserve General Del Vecchio’s praise, not his scorn. Furthermore, the Italian government disagrees with the General. Italy, along with Great Britain, France, Israel and Australia, is one of twenty-four countries which allows gay troops to serve openly. More than half of the troops taking part in ISAF hail from countries which allow open service. As a military leader in a nation which allows open and honest service, General Del Vecchio knows that personal prejudice does not dictate policy. Not only should the General apologize for his remarks, he also needs a refresher course on leadership. This general needs to be reminded that leaders demonstrate respect for all those who serve under them. These troops deserve better and I hope that the Italian Defense Minister agrees. -Aubrey Sarvis

Labels: foreign militaries

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04-07-08