Twentynine Palms Marine Base Prepares For End Of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

The military continues to prepare for the end of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy banning openly gay people from serving.

Bases around the nation are currently conducting sensitivity training, including the Twentynine Palms Marine Base.

The hour-long training includes a message from Marine Corps Commandant James Amos and a Powerpoint presentation outlining how the repeal will affect existing policies.

Then the Marines got a chance to apply what they learned in a series of scenarios.

“They can see that impact so it’s earlier to adjust to. It basically takes about getting over obstacles talks about getting over obstacles and makes it a lot easier for us in general to adapt to that,” said Gunny Sgt. Robert Holmes.

Training started in February.

Marines were instructed to treat any interaction between a gay couple the same they would as a straight couple, on-base and off-base, and to treat everyone with respect, regardless of sexual orientation.

“They grew up in a different time period in American society that they’re more accepting because they’re grown up around open homosexuality a lot more than say the senior people have,” said Sgt. Maj. James Walsh.

“It’s gonna be a change, but at the same time I don’t think it’s going to be that rough for me personally because I’m from New York and I see that all the time so it’s not a big deal,” said Lt. Cpl. Cirolina Rodriguez.

Military leaders were not asking the troops to change their personal beliefs but to follow orders.

“An obstacle course. Get up on the obstacle course you got two choices sit down on your butt and cry about it or you can get over the obstacle. Sit on your butt, it’s time to go home. Marines get over the obstacle,” said Walsh.

According to Walsh, the Marines expected to finish training next month.

The repeal will go into effect 60 days after the President, Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff certify it.