Brian Palmer divulges the nitty gritty details:
With pictures, if they're available. Technically, the military doesn't fire people for being gayit fires them for engaging in "homosexual conduct." This comprises: touching a member of the same sex for sexual gratification (including handholding or hugging), marrying someone of the same sex, or announcing that you're gay. So discharge proceedings focus on actions rather than underlying sexual preference. Not does he seem to like men, but did he proposition his male colleague? Or did she publicly hold hands with a female friend? There are few rules of evidence in the proceeding, so military lawyers can present a wide range of proof. They usually call witnesses who claim to have seen the suspicious activity. They may submit photos, such as printouts from a soldier's Facebook page, marriage licenses, or birth certificates indicating that the soldier's child has two mothers or fathers. Or the government could present an e-mail or letter that the service member sent to a friend stating his sexual preference.