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Major General Anthony Cucolo: Support the Repeal of DADT
  1. Signatures
    238 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. United States Army (Major General Anthony Cucolo)
  2. Created By
    Maia Spotts
    NYC, NY
About this Petition Petition Letter

In early November, Major General Anthony Cucolo set out some new guidelines for soldiers serving in Northern Iraq. No drinking, no drugs, no porn, no pregnancy. The punishment for engaging in any of these activities range from a reprimand to being court-martialed, meaning that a female soldier who becomes pregnant, and the male soldier who impregnates her, could both face criminal charges.

Maj. Gen. Cucolo explained that the decision was "meant to prevent losing soldiers at a time when troop strength is stretched thin." Since November, seven soldiers have been reprimanded under the new, stricter policy, including four women who have been removed from the battlefield due to pregnancy.

Let's take a moment to remind Maj. Gen. Cucolo of the 13,000 men and women who have been removed from the battlefield due to sexual orientation. If he's serious about our strength in numbers, he should step forward and support the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Recent Signatures

Support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act

Major General Anthony Cucolo

In an effort to keep healthy and able soldiers on the battlefield where you need them, you recently established new guidelines for punishing soldiers who become pregnant, or who impregnate another soldier, while on active duty in Northern Iraq.

You are right, Sir, that our country must do what it can to maintain a strong, effective military, in times of war and in times of peace. That is why you must ask Congress to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell.

There are approximately 65,000 gays and lesbians currently serving in the military -- each of whom risk discharge under Don't Ask Don't Tell. There are 13,000 fewer soldiers on active duty today because of Don't Ask Don't Tell. And we can only imagine the number of gays and lesbians who are eager to enlist, but ultimately dissuaded because of this discriminatory government policy.

I urge you to become a vocal supporter of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, an act that would ultimately repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell. By doing so, you support a strong military comprised of young men and women willing to serve our country.

[Your name]

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