Tough for Gay Soldiers to Return

Soldiers discharged from the military under “don't ask, don't tell” will have to reapply just like anyone else. The Defense Department says that applicants with honorable discharges will be treated like other prior service applicants and accepted based on need. But with the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the military is thinning its ranks. Given the tough economy as well, it's one of the most competitive times to get into the military. Several soldiers are suing the Justice Department to demand they be reinstated, and activists hope the cases could open the door for a class-action suit or settlement for the nearly 14,000 soldiers discharged under the policy.