The policy was introduced as a compromise measure in 1993 and approved by then President Bill Clinton who, while campaigning for the Presidency, had promised to allow all citizens regardless of sexual orientation to serve openly in the military, a departure from the then complete ban on those who are not heterosexual. Don't ask, don't tell (DADT) is the common term for the policy regarding gays and lesbians serving openly in the U.S. milita...