PowerPoint Presentation

Military Benefits for Same-Sex CouplesJeff CrissWalden UniversityDr. April AdamsOrganizations, Innovation & ChangeEDUC 6105

PurposeThe purpose of this presentation is to examine a change process that took place permitting the extension of military benefits to same-sex couples.

History of the Department of Defense (DOD)Traces its roots back to our Nations infancy

Established Army, Navy, and Marine Corps in 1775Consists of an all- volunteer force

MissionProvide the military forces needed to deter war and protect the U.S.(Organizations and Functions, 2012)

Support and defend the Constitution

Use war to attain a political objective

Promote and spread democracy

DOD Structure

Navy Major CommandsPresident of the United StatesSecretary of DefenseDepartment of the ArmySecretary of the ArmyDepartment of the NavySecretary of the NavyCommandant of Marine CorpsDepartment of the Air ForceSecretary of the Air ForceChief of Staff ArmyChief of Naval OperationsChief of Staff Air Force

Army Major Commands

Air Force Major Commands

Marine Corp Major Commands

CultureFound in the revolutionary spirit which brought life to a new Nation

Steeped in customs and courtesies

Common elements include a high standard of discipline that helps organize and structure the armed forces (Bateman, 2011)

BackgroundIn 1993, President William J. Clinton issued a directive preventing gay service members from being questioned about their sexual orientation This policy became known as Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT)

Gay service members were permitted to serve in the armed forces provided they did not reveal their sexual orientation This policy remained in effect for 17 years.

DADTIn Feb 2010, the Senate Armed Services Committee began hearings concerning the repeal of DADT

The DOD was charged with developing a survey for service members seeking input

DADT Hearings

ResultsOf the 400,000 survey members polled, 27% responded

60% responded saying openly gay members would have no impact on mission effectiveness

The issue of DADT repeal was never addressed in the survey

DADT Hearings

Repeal of DADTIn Dec 2010, the House and Senate voted to repeal DADT

This change repealed a 17 year standing policy

President Obama elected to use the democratic process as opposed to executive action

Extension of BenefitsPresident Obama directed Secretary Leon Panetta to issue a memorandum extending 42 benefits to domestic partners of military members

Extension of BenefitsChange occurred 17 months after the repeal of a 17 year policy

Accomplished through executive action

No congressional hearing or study

Rationale for ChangeDiscrimination has no place in the military

Ensure fairness and equal treatment to all service members and their families

Benefits are allowable under current law (Panetta, personal communication, 2013)

Sample BenefitsBenefits Include:Dependent ID cardsCommissary privilegesEmergency LeaveChild CareBeneficiary StatusLegal Assistance

Benefits not Included:Medical InsuranceHousing Privileges

Change AnalysisChange was revolutionary (Beach, 2006)

President sought no input

Change was politicalDADT was repealed just prior to President Obamas re-electionExtension of benefits granted after beginning of second termChange was put in place just prior to the Supreme Courts ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

Change EffectivenessCreated a new form of discrimination

Aimed at approximately 2% of military members

Thrust upon the military

Viewed as a social experiment

RecommendationsProcess should have included congressional and DOD approval

More time should have elapsed to embrace the DADT repeal

Members who oppose the change should be permitted to voluntarily separate from the DOD

ReferencesBateman, G.W. (2011). Military Culture: United States. GLBTQ Social Sciences, 1-6.

Beach, L. (2006). Leadership and the art of change. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Farkas, M.(Producer).(2010, February 15). Dont ask, dont tell policy on gays in the military. Washington, D.C: Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network.

Organizational and management planning. (2012). Retrieved fromhttp.www.odam.defense.gov