FORT MCPHERSON, Ga., (March 3, 2011)-U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Commander Gen. James D. Thurman conducted a command-wide training session March 2, to educate senior leaders within FORSCOM about the changes in policy and expectations for behavior pertaining to the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act.
"This session today is not to debate the right or wrongs of homosexuality. That is not the purpose of it," Thurman explained. "It is to talk about the repeal of the act and how we are going to implement it."
Thurman said, "the number one thing in the implementation of this-and to do this right-is all about leadership, and that's what you all provide out there every day."
Wednesday's training session was available via video teleconference for more than 20 FORSCOM subordinate unit commands throughout the United States and abroad, to include Iraq and Afghanistan. This session is only one component of the Army's ongoing training plan for educating the total Army force about the DADT Repeal Act. Thurman, along with other Army general officer and senior executive service personnel, received training materials from the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. George W. Casey, to assist with their task to educate the total Army Force.
Upon the DADT Repeal Act effective date, homosexual conduct will no longer be a basis for denial of entry into the Army or separation from the Army, and separation program designator codes for separations for homosexual conduct will be eliminated. This repeal act is slated to become effective 60 days after the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify to Congress that the Department of Defense is prepared to implement repeal in a manner consistent with the standards of military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces.
The flow of training for FORSCOM personnel (military and civilian) is slated as follows:
- Thurman is responsible to provide DADT Repeal Act awareness training to all FORSCOM staff
principals and unit commanders,
- FORSCOM Staff principals and unit commanders are responsible to provide DADT Repeal Act awareness training to their subordinate leaders and personnel
According to the FORSCOM commander, he wants to ensure that everyone within the command receives high-quality training regarding the DADT Repeal Act because it is important for ensuring good morale and combat readiness.
Thurman culminated the training by emphasizing the 10 things Army personnel should know about the DADT Repeal Act and the 10 Army guiding principles for appropriate behavior and conduct post the implementation of the repeal act.
The 10 things Army personnel should know about the DADT Repeal Act are:
- Accessions and Separations Policies
- Standards of conduct apply equally to everyone
- Personal Privacy
- Moral and religious concerns
- Benefits
- Equal opportunity
- Duty Assignments
- Medical Policy
- Release and service commitments
- Collection and Retention of Sexual Orientation Data
The 10 Army guiding principles are:
- Leadership matters most
- Standards of conduct apply to everyone regardless of sexual orientation
- Treat each other with dignity and respect
- Application of our rules and policies must be sexual orientation neutral
- Emphasize our role as professional Soldiers
- Keep it simple
- There is no expectation to change religious or moral views
- Good order and discipline will be maintained at all times
- Chaplains have both the right to serve and conduct religious services according to their
faith, and a duty to perform or provide religious support.
- Stay focused on your mission
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