NAVAL ADMIRAL SAYS REPEAL OF DON'T ASK DOES HAS NO AFFECT

The following excerpt is from a U.S. Department of Defense American Forces Press Service e-mail:

Navy Leader Calls 'Don't Ask' Repeal 'Non-story'

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2012 - The Navy has not seen much difference following last fall's repeal of the Defense Department's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, the chief of naval operations told reporters here today.

Navy Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert said at a Defense Writers' Group meeting that the U.S. Navy checks the status of the fleet constantly, but there has been no uptick in conduct incidents since the repeal went into effect Sept. 20. He does not expect an increase.

The policy, which Congress approved in 1993, let gay and lesbian personnel serve, so long as they kept their sexual orientation secret.

Before repeal, some said letting gay and lesbian service members be open about their sexual preferences would destroy the cohesion of the force and ruin recruiting. That has not been the case, Greenert said.

It has been a "non-story," the admiral told reporters. "Still, we need to remain vigilant," he said.

The Navy wants to ensure there isn't a "slowly developing enclave of folks" who show preference due to sexual orientation, he said. But to date, this hasn't been the case.

There has been no impact of repeal on recruiting, Greenert said. The Navy continues to make 100 percent of its recruiting goal and the quality of recruits remains high.