From not being able to return to their old ranks, pay grades or even keeping their old ratings or jobs, those in the military who were discharged for being gay will not be getting any kind of special consideration if they decide to re-enlist once DADT is gone.
The article says that gay servicemembers discharged under DADT won't get "special treatment" if they choose to re-enlist, but I prefer to use the term "special consideration." I don't consider losing one's job to discrimination and then returning to one's prior rank and position "special treatment." There should be special consideration, and, in fact, that may very well be the case if discrimination against military gays and lesbians is proved unconstitutional.
NYT via TruthOut:
Though the Pentagon says it will welcome their applications, former service members discharged for homosexuality will not be granted special treatment. They will have to pass physical fitness tests and prove that they have skills the armed services need right now. Some will have aged to the point that they will need waivers to get back in.But, of course, in order for justice to happen we'd have to have an administration that isn't willing to get in the way of a positive court ruling on behalf of gay and lesbian troops.
Even if they pass those hurdles, there is no guarantee that they will go back to their former jobs or ranks. And because the armed services are beginning to shrink, some will be rejected because there are no available slots.
People discharged under “don’t ask, don’t tell” who wish to return to service “will be evaluated according to the same criteria and requirements applicable to all others seeking re-entry into the military,” said Eileen Lainez, a Pentagon spokeswoman. “The services will continue to base accessions of prior-service members on the needs of the service and the skills and qualifications of the applicants.”
