U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd class Jase Daniels, 29, was reinstated as into active duty as a linguist after the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and the law firm of Morrison & Foerster pushed for his return to duty. He was sworn in Monday.
“Today, I took an oath and affirmed to defend the Constitution of the United States of America. I am humbled as I am reinstated to the job I love and by the enormous support I have received on this momentous day. I look forward to returning to the Defense Language Institute and ultimately, my career in the military,” said Daniels.
The U.S. Navy Petty Officer and his supporting team of legal representatives consider the reinstatement a victory in wake of the fallen Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, a discriminatory military practice which forbade servicemembers from disclosing their sexual orientation.
“The reinstatement of Petty Officer Daniels into the United States Navy underscores that all qualified and needed service members are now officially welcomed back into the ranks. The new policy and regulations in this post-repeal era make this historic occasion possible,” said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.
Daniels’ attorney M. Andrew Woodmansee at Morrison & Foerster celebrated the win, explaining, “This is a great day for Petty Officer Daniels. This also is a great day for the United States military. All qualified American men and women who want serve their country in the armed forces are now welcome to do so without regard to their sexual orientation.”
Daniels was discharged in 2005 after coming to terms with his sexual orientation. He sent his commander a letter which confirmed he was gay. Daniels was discharged shortly thereafter, but later received a notice recalling him to serve in Kuwait for one year. He was discharged a second time under DADT.
Daniels will resume his post as a Hebrew linguist.
For the record, and this doesn’t diminish the importance of the story at all. A Petty Officer Second class is an Enlisted rank not an Officer rank so the title is incorrect. If it said Petty Officer or Servicemember it would have been spot on.