When a servicemember is facing investigation and/or discharge for violating the Department of Defense's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, quick and accurate legal advice for the servicemember is of utmost importance. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.sldn.org) is a legal aid organization that provides free legal advice and, in many cases, free legal representation for those facing investigation and/or discharge under DADT. SLDN maintains a cadre of civilian attorneys who have developed expertise in handling DADT cases and who have handled thousands of just such cases since 1994. SLDN also publishes an excellent "Survival Guide" that provides comprehensive practical information about DADT for active duty servicemembers. Servicemembers United strongly recommends SLDN's legal services for any servicemember who is worried about investigation or discharge.
Servicemembers United recognizes, however, that more than just legal advice is often needed when a servicemember comes face to face with DADT. Numerous Servicemembers United staff and members have had personal experience on active duty with all aspects of DADT, including being investigated for homosexual conduct, being discharged under DADT, being outed by fellow servicemembers, being outed by civilians, serving an entire career in the closet, and serving openly without incident. Servicemembers United would be glad to put our brothers- and sisters-in-arms in touch with our members who are recent veterans and who are willing to provide practical advice and support to anyone who finds himself or herself in a similar situation.
Please contact us at info@servicemembersunited.org for more information.