Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Department's Proactive Review of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Records

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Department's Proactive Review of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Records Oct. 15, 2024 America's greatest national-security asset is the brave and qualified patriots who step up to form our all-volunteer force. Brave LGBTQ+ Americans have long volunteered to serve the country that they love. Some of these troops were administratively separated from military service under the now-repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Under President Biden's leadership, the Department of Defense has taken extraordinary steps to redress the harms done by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and other policies on these former Service members. Just over a year ago, I announced that the Department would, for the first time, begin to proactively review the military records of former Service members discharged during "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" because of their sexual orientation who might have been eligible for upgrades to the characterization of their discharge or changes to their reason for separation but had not yet applied. After a year of exceptional work, the Military Department Review Boards directed relief in 96.8% of the 851 cases that they proactively reviewed.  What this means is that of the nearly 13,500 individuals who were administratively separated under Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, and served long enough to receive a merit-based characterization of service, 96% now have an honorable discharge. We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops—including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.

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