The Man Who Coined 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

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The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that prohibited gays from serving openly in the military is over, and the web is full of renewed interest in the phrase's history. Who, folks want to know, coined the expression?

Credit goes to the late Charles Moskos, a military sociologist and professor from Northwestern University. The phrase, which was later expanded to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harrass," came about during the first term of the Clinton administration. At the time, the policy was viewed as a kind of compromise. It allowed gay men and women to serve in the military, provided they did not openly admit to their sexual preference. It also prohibited other military personnel from asking questions. In other words, don't ask, don't tell.

When the policy was instituted, it was seen by many as a step forward. It allowed all Americans to serve, regardless of sexual orientation, something that wasn't always the case. After the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was enacted, recruiters were banned from asking applicants about their orientation. However, it also put a limit on gay military personnel. For example, should they openly admit to being gay, they could be discharged from service.

As a younger man, Moskos served in the United States Army as a company clerk, before going on to a distinguished academic career. In 1997, he was honored by the American Sociological Association. According to an article from Northwestern, "some of the gay and lesbian and sex and gender people organized a silent protest" due to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." After the ceremony, he spoke to the protesters "and made friends with some of them, even though they disagree with his position."

Beyond the controversial policy, Moskos was seen as a highly influential voice in military policy. The Wall Street Journal called him the country's "most influential military sociologist." Though he was the person behind the policy, Moskos did recognize its shortcomings. "I always say about 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' what Winston Churchill said about democracy: 'It’s the worst system possible except for any other,'" remarked Moskos.