FACT SHEET

HIV DISEASE, AIDS AND THE MILITARY


*	HIV disease/AIDS is not a gay disease.  The virus is 
transmitted through sexual activity -- both gay and straight, 
the sharing of needles during drug use, and other blood-to-
blood contact.  In the words of the Pentagon's own 
spokesperson, Colonel Doug Hart, "[HIV policy] is 
completely separate from the issue of homosexuality."

*	70% of AIDS cases worldwide have resulted from 
heterosexual transmission.  Given the history of contact 
between military servicepeople stationed overseas and the 
local populace, heterosexual transmission of HIV should be 
the primary concern of military base commanders overseas.

*	Gay men are not the only group in society to have 
suffered disproportionately in the early phases of the AIDS 
epidemic.  African-Americans and Hispanics have also 
experienced high rates of infection.  Yet, most people 
would not suggest banning members of these groups from 
service as an HIV prevention measure.

*	Gay men have always been present in the military.  
Simply allowing them to acknowledge their sexual 
orientation will not affect the spread of HIV disease.  The 
effort to control the spread of HIV in the military must be 
directed towards all modes of transmission.  Simply barring 
gay men from service will not suffice as AIDS control policy.

*	The military has an extensive HIV testing program in 
which all applicants for military service who are HIV 
infected are denied enlistment.  Moreover, all active duty 
and reserve personnel are tested at least once a year for 
HIV infection.  Servicepeople who become infected with 
the HIV virus after entering the military are not assigned to 
deployable units.  Lifting the ban does not undo any aspect 
of this extensive testing and restriction program.   

*	The concern about transmitting the HIV virus 
through person-to-person blood transfusions on the 
battlefield is unwarranted.  The military only uses blood 
supplies that have been obtained in advance, screened for 
the HIV virus, and cross-matched with the recipient to 
insure compatible blood type, even in combat.  Direct blood 
transfusion is not done.

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Prepared by the Legal/Policy Department of the Campaign 
for Military Service.   2707 Massachussetts Ave, NW   
Washington, DC 20009.  (202) 265-6666.