Ep 10. Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In Pensacola: Wings of Gold season 3 episode 10, titled "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the conflict between personal lives and military duty comes to the forefront for several characters.

Lt. Col. Bill Kelly is faced with a difficult decision when he learns that one of his pilots, Lt. Glenn Cahill, is gay. Under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the time, openly gay individuals were not allowed to serve in the military. However, Cahill's sexuality was never an issue until a jealous ex-lover outs him to the commanding officer.

Kelly must decide whether to follow the policy and discharge Cahill, whom he views as an excellent pilot, or risk his own career by ignoring the rule and keeping him on the team. Meanwhile, Cahill is struggling with his own identity and whether or not to fight for his right to serve his country openly.

As the situation unfolds, other characters are also affected by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Kelly's ex-wife, Victoria, is dating a woman who is also in the military and must navigate the challenges of their relationship while keeping it a secret. Another pilot, Lt. Nikki Barris, is forced to confront her own prejudices and assumptions when she realizes that she may have inadvertently outed Cahill to his ex-lover.

The episode explores the tension between personal identity and allegiance to the military, and the consequences of policies that enforce such conflicts. Kelly, Cahill, and the other characters must grapple with their own beliefs and priorities in the face of these challenges.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that raises important questions about discrimination and equality in the military. With nuanced performances and complex themes, it is a standout entry in the series.