Adm. Mullen's surprising endorsement of gays in the military
Published: February 2, 2010
Few in the audience at today's "don't ask, don't tell" hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee were surprised when Defense Secretary Robert Gates unveiled long-term plans to get rid of the ban on gays in the military.
But many were shocked by Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen's strong endorsement of those plans, and his decision to tell skeptical lawmakers that he believes the change can only make the military stronger.
For months gay rights advocates have speculated whether Mullen could be their top ally or worst foe in the fight to allow openly homosexual servicemembers to stay in the military. Last year an essay on the merits of letting gays serve appeared in the chairman's own in-house magazine. Just last month, word leaked that Mullen's own legal staff was telling him to delay any massive social changes in the ranks until after fighting in Afghanistan is completed.
So, when Mullen read this statement at Tuesday's hearing, there were audible gasps of excitement from many of those same repeal supporters:
Mr. Chairman: Speaking for myself and myself only, it is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do.
No matter how I look at this issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, personally, it comes down to integrity: theirs as individuals, and ours as an institution.
I also believe that the great young men and women of our military can and would accommodate such a change. I never underestimate their ability to adapt.
Mullen was careful to point out that he wants to see results from the year-long study proposed by Gates before making a final decision, admitting that such a dramatic policy change may have adverse consequences he hasn't anticipated. And he encouraged lawmakers to grill the service chiefs and other top military leaders, saying their opinions should be heard as well.
But, for the first time, the country's top uniformed officer said he thinks "don't ask, don't tell" is bad policy. Like it or not, that's a big step forward for repeal advocates.
[PHOTO: Associated Press]
