With the repeal of DADT in September 2011, American military service men and women were able to, for the first time, openly identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered. Enacting change in the military may occur slowly as proposed changes are often debated passionately before any new policy is implemented. Then, once a new policy is implemented, the resulting changes to military culture may take place slowly. Still, paradigms are shifting, and these changes affect military personnel and their families.

For this Discussion, refer to the resources and current literature or news media to learn about the impact of the repeal of DADT, as well as other changes occurring in the military. Select one paradigm shift to address in addition to the repeal of DADT. (2 to 3 pages).

Post a description of one way the repeal of DADT may impact military personnel and their families and the services and programs that support them. Describe one additional, current paradigm shift or change in the armed forces and explain its impact, or potential impact, on military personnel and their families. Explain one way you, as a helping professional, can support military personnel and their families with these changes or paradigm shifts. (2 to 3 pages).

Be sure to support your post with specific references to the resources. If you are using additional articles, be sure to provide full APA-formatted citations for your references.

Required Readings

Schading, B., Schading, R., (2007). A civilian’s guide to the U.S. military: A comprehensive reference to the customs, language, & structure of the armed forces. Cincinnati, OH:Writers Digest.
Chapter 9, “Changes in the U.S. Military” (pp. 192–205)

Gentile, C., & Zoroya, G. (2011, September 8). Proposed changes in military benefits worry troops. USA Today. Retrieved from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2011-09-07/Proposed-changes-in-military-benefits-have-troops-worried/50305324/1

Parco, J. E., & Levy, D. A. (2013). Policy and paradox: Grounded theory at the moment of DADT repeal. Journal of Homosexuality, 60(2-3), 356–380.

Wilder, H., & Wilder, J. (2012). In the wake of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell: Suicide prevention and outreach for LGB service members. Military Psychology, 24(6), 624–642.