Honorable Discharges granted to 800 service members ejected under Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In the United States, over 800 service members who were discharged under the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy have recently received upgrades to honorable discharges. This decision was announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on a Tuesday in October 2024, following a year-long review process initiated to address the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ service members. The proactive review of military records led to a remarkable 96.8% success rate in upgrading discharges for those who served long enough to qualify for merit-based characterizations. The policy, which barred openly bisexual, gay, or lesbian individuals from military service, was officially repealed in 2011, but many affected individuals had not sought discharge upgrades until now. Austin emphasized the importance of rectifying past wrongs and ensuring that all veterans receive the benefits they deserve, as discharge status significantly impacts access to veterans' benefits such as healthcare and education. The Pentagon plans to launch outreach campaigns to connect with those who may still be eligible for discharge upgrades, reinforcing the commitment to support every American who has honorably served their country.