Military Won’t Use AIDS Tests for Punishment

The Defense Department, in a policy reversal, said Sunday that it will not use its AIDS screening program to bring punitive action against suspected homosexuals or drugs users in the military.

Specific guidelines were issued last week for testing the 2.1 million members of the armed forces for the presence of the antibody associated with the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Keith Schneider said.

He said the guidelines, signed by Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger, bar use of the information gathered in the blood screening from being used to dismiss or separate homosexuals or drug users from the services.

‘Information Cannot Be Used’

“If it (homosexuality or drug use) becomes known as a result of this test, that information cannot be used,” Schneider said.

Plans for the testing of all military personnel were announced Oct. 18. At that time, military officials announced that those found to have the disease would be treated and discharged from the service.

Under the new guidelines, those found to be infected with the AIDS virus, but not found to have the disease, will not be discharged. But their duties and assignment may be changed. Presence of the virus that causes AIDS does not automatically mean the person has the disease.

Current Pentagon policy regards homosexuals as “incompatible” with military service and face discharge. Drug use is considered misconduct and can also lead to dismissal from the military.