Washington, D.C. (October 18, 2024) – Modern Military is pleased that the Department of Defense (DoD) has completed its proactive review process for the known 13,500 veterans who were discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). Modern Military has advocated for years to prioritize proactive reviews for discharge upgrades and benefits reinstatement for the estimated 114,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who were discharged for their gender identity and/or sexual orientation between the end of World War II and the repeal of DADT in 2011.

However, the fight isn’t over. “We applaud this historic effort to right the wrongs of the past. As we take this step forward, we must acknowledge that many of the most vulnerable individuals were not included in this process and still need relief,” said Rachel Branaman, Modern Military’s Executive Director.

Service members who were kicked out during DADT received a range of different discharge types, often at their commander’s discretion. Depending on the type of discharge, impacted individuals could experience devastating financial and legal consequences beyond the loss of? VA benefits. The DoD estimates that of the 13,500 service members discharged for their sexual orientation during DADT, nearly 2,000 were separated with less than fully honorable characterizations. In a recent announcement, senior defense department officials broke down this proactive review process, saying that 2,001 records were initially evaluated and 1,923 were potentially eligible for changes to their discharge characterizations. Of those, 968 veterans already received an honorable discharge before the proactive review process was initiated, and 851 were sent to the Department’s Secretary for review and approval.

Ultimately, 824 individuals received relief with either a general discharge or honorable characterization of service. These individuals now have the opportunity to access benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the GI Bill. Those denied an upgrade will be informed of the decision and have the opportunity to submit additional evidence through the general discharge upgrade process.

There is still work to be done. At present, the DoD has said there are no plans to proactively address punitive discharges that may have involved pretextual misconduct charges, including those with sexual orientation as a secondary basis for discharge, those who served prior to the DADT period, or those who were forced out of the military prior to qualifying for a characterization of discharge .

Modern Military will continue to advocate for a proactive discharge upgrade review on behalf of the individuals who were not eligible for this process to ensure that the DoD continues its efforts to correct this historic injustice.

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Modern Military is the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ+ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families, and allies. We educate, advocate, and champion for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families as well as people living with HIV. We envision an inclusive and equitable military environment where every member of the LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive community is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-328-3244 ext.1