The Warner Robins Patriot - Air Force to begin ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ repeal training

Air Force officials said Monday that three-tiered training in preparation for final removal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” would begin soon.

The 1993 law banning open service by gays and lesbians was struck down by Congress and the president last December. However, the Defense Department must certify that repeal will have no adverse impact on order, discipline and military effectiveness. The training program is part of that certification process. Full repeal will occur 60 days after the certification.

When the training will begin at Robins Air Force Base, the process to be used and the expected duration were not immediately available.

A Pentagon release said the first training tier will focus on workers implementing the policy changes and those responsible for repeal-related services such as chaplains, judge advocates and benefits counselors.

A second tier will assist commanders, senior non-commissioned officers and civilian supervisors. The third will prepare the broader military and civilian workforce.

The training is a standardized program developed in conjunction with the Secretary of Defense repeal implementation team, the release noted.

“This training explains the new policies and provides information about specific behaviors, statements and actions, ensuring a consistent understanding grounded in an organizational climate of dignity and respect,” Col. Jeff White is quoted by the Pentagon. White heads the education and training-working group for the SecDef implementation team.

Officials say they prefer face-to-face training although computer-based methods could be used. A repeal site will also be posted on the Air Force Portal with training aids for leaders to include lesson plans, slide presentations, answers to frequently asked questions and the “top 10 things you need to know,” White said.

Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, said he believed airmen would professionally approach the appeal process. Schwartz, along with the Marine and Army service chiefs, was not an enthusiastic supporter of repeal, particularly while the nation is at war.

“Implementing this change while fighting a war is challenging,” Schwartz is quoted in the Monday announcement. “But I have no doubt that the Air Force will do this in a way that minimizes operational impact and successfully accomplishes the important task of training our force.”

Source: http://warnerrobinspatriot.com