Another Day, Another DADT Dismissal

By jpm

It wouldn't be another day in paradise unless it included a promising young person's career being trashed by a service that professes to reward pride, purpose and professionalism.

But this one comes with a twist. Not only was a young sailor's career ruined, but the powers that be decided he wasn't even worthy of an honorable discharge, thereby denying him the benefits he would have otherwise acrrued (such as GI Bill entitlements).

What did this young sailor do to deserve this fate? He accidently brought a cell phone into a restricted area. (For comparison, Daniel Choi, who chained himself to the White House fence, was arrested more than once for disorderly conduct, and arguably wore his uniform in inappropriate circumstances at various times, was given an honorable discharge.)

Here's Jarod McIntosh's story.



The story is fairly straightforward: his phone was confiscated (appropriately), the duty officer discovered revealing pictures, the information was sent up the chain of command, and the Admiral in charge on the inquiry, despite the fact that

McIntosh's commanding officer argued against that verdict, saying he wanted the sailor back on the boat

and despite the fact that the Admiral had never met or served with McIntosh, RECOMMENDED HIS DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE.

Can you say unfucking real? I knew you could.





Fortunately

With the help of a defense lawyer from the Judge Advocate General's office, who was advised by the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Mcintosh was able to secure a general dischange, which is far better for his standing. But his discharge means that Mcintosh will be completely ineligible for any of the benefits of the GI Bill -- the whole reason he joined the Navy in the first place. He told TPM in an interview, "My mom couldn't afford to send me to school, so the G.I. Bill was the big thing for me."

It's just like they say on their recruitment page.

The Navy experience can shape your future through outstanding financial benefits, unparalleled career potential, and the lifestyle of freedom and personal growth that you've been waiting for...

It all amounts to a brighter future that's limited only by your own determination. And your desire to stand among the ranks of a global force for good.

You'd think that every officer in the military would resign in protest over this incredible hypocrisy rather than continuing to enforce it:

No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. --Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

You would think wrong.

Fortunately, there still appears to be some hope that McIntosh might still have his discharge converted to an honorable one. It is unclear from the articles I've been able to find whether McIntosh has been formally and officially discharged yet or not, although it seems he is still awaiting final notice:

Mcintosh currently awaits the resolution of his discharge under DADT, and is holding out hope that it might be made an honorable one. He said to TPM that, despite the legal proceedings against him, "I definitely want to stay in the Navy."

Do we, the people he is serving and protecting, who yet allow this insanity to continue, deserve such dedication and loyalty? I don't know, but we should be glad of it.