‘Don’t Ask’ Critic Honorably Discharged

TUSTIN, Calif. - A gay Soldier from California says he's been honorably discharged from the Army National Guard under the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Lt. Dan Choi, an Iraq war veteran from Orange County, was discharged from the New York Army National Guard on Thursday. He called the move "infuriating and painful."

Choi announced he was gay on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show" more than a year ago. He had been waiting for military officials to decide whether he would be discharged.

"Don't ask, don't tell" prohibits the military from asking about the sexual orientation of service members but requires discharge of those who acknowledge being gay or are discovered to be engaging in homosexual activity.