"The changes raise the level of officer authorized to initiate a fact-finding inquiry into a case, the level of officer who can conduct an inquiry and of the one that can authorize a dismissal.
To discourage the use of overheard statements or hearsay, from now on any evidence given in third-party outings must be given under oath, Gates said. Cases of third-party outings also have included instances in which male troops have turned in women who rejected their romantic advances or jilted partners in relationship have turned in a former lover.
Some kinds of confidential information also will no longer be allowed, including statements gays make to their lawyers, clergy, psychotherapists or medical professionals in the pursuit of health care."
These provisions go into effect immediately and are considered a stopgap measure while Congress ever so slowly considers repeal of DA/DT.
When I was in the Army I desperately wanted to talk to a chaplain or a psychologist about being gay in the military. I couldn't of course, because chaplains and psychologists often reported admissions of homosexuality to the chain of command. It seems incredible to civilians who expect privacy and professionalism from clergy and mental health professionals, but in the culture of the Army, it was accepted.
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