Imagine yourself in the heat of war, a place where trust is needed most. Imagine, however, that in the heat of war you cannot trust your fellow soldiers due to personal tensions within the unit. This was the problem that the policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was designed to avoid, the tension caused among soldiers when homosexuals serve openly. Without this policy, homosexuals serving openly could create tensions that interfere with the effectiveness of the military. While it may not be obvious at first glance, the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy actually supports both military values ​​and gay rights. Accordingly, “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” is necessary to protect gay service members and is crucial to ensuring military effectiveness. Throughout history, openly practicing homosexuals have not been accepted into the United States military. During the American Revolution and the Civil War, although no military code actually addressed homosexuals, anyone found committing homosexual acts was dishonorably discharged (Walke). As the century turned, the US military began actively prohibiting and prosecuting homosexual acts (Walke). Throughout the 20th century, people seeking military service were prohibited from serving if they had a history of homosexual activity. With his election in 1994, President Bill Clinton sought to change this ban. However, once in office, he encountered opposition from the military leadership. As a result, a compromise between the Clinton administration, military officials, and conservatives led to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. “Don't ask, don't tell” is the official policy of the United States Department of Defense. towards homosexuals in the army. Members of t...... middle of paper ....... Works Cited Beattie, LCDR Scott J., JAGC, USN. Personal interview. April 5, 2011. Bowman, Jeffery, and Laura Finley. “Homosexuals in the Military: An Overview.” Points of view: homosexuals in the army. 2009: 1. Reference center for points of view. Network. March 31, 2011.Issitt, Micah and Geraldine Wagner. “Counterpoint: US military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy is a form of discrimination.” Points of view: homosexuals in the army. 2009: 3. Reference Center for Points of View. Network. March 31, 2011. Owens, Mackubin Thomas. “The Case Against Gays in the Military.” Wall Street Journal. 03 Feb 2010: A. 17. SIRS Researcher. Network. March 29, 2011. Walke, Jacob and Chuck Goodwin. “Point: America cannot afford to be undermined by homosexuality.” Points of view: homosexuals in the army. 2009: 2. Reference Center for Points of View. Network. March 31 2011.