another male, could he discharge or report the matter and begin an investigation to discharge this person which would contradict one of the tenets of the "Don't ask.Don't tell.Don't pursue."?And what if this serviceman was an excellent officer with a blemish free record and who has performed his duty above and beyond?Is it right to dismiss someone for what they do off base and off duty regardless of what they do while on base and on duty-keeping in mind that those actions aren't illegal in accordance to the laws of the land?
I know that this has to happen.The fact that people get discharged for being gay suggests that at least on a few of these occasions it wasn't because the officer was prancing around yelling "I am gay, discharge me!".And I know that for every person who is discharged for being a homosexual there are probably ten others who managed to remain.I even know a Vietnam Marine Vet who saw action and was gay and managed to serve with honor even though he was gay.
2006-08-11 23:14:28 · 8 answers · asked by EasterBunny 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
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2006-08-11 23:15:19 · update #1
I agree. Definitely wrong.
2006-08-11 23:17:06 · answer #1 · answered by amg503 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The superior officer used in your question would not have the authority to discharge the gay soldier. The officer could report the soldier to his commanding officer and the CO would take it over from there. In fact as I recall the superior officer would be required to report the violation since homosexual activity (on or off base or duty) is a violation of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.
Actually the only thing to consider or that is relevant in your question is the violation of the UCMJ by the off duty soldier. Don't ask don't tell remains valid just as long as the soldier doesn't act on his homosexual feelings. If the soldier commits an overt act of homosexuality then he has opened himself up to charges.
Also, if the soldier is also an excellent trooper it has not impact on the situation But, if the gay guy is a commissioned officer then typically he will be allowed to resign his commission while an enlisted man will be court martial. And no, that isn't right or fair.
By the way; if a private would see a male officer kissing another man, off duty and out of uniform the Private would be obligated to report the officer. Do I think that's fair...yes. Do I care if gays are serving in the military....as long as they do their job, serve with honor and follow orders like non-gay soldiers...no. However, until the regulations change the UCMJ has to be enforced.
2006-08-12 08:03:19 · answer #2 · answered by iraq51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a military saying that we are "on duty 24/7/360" That means we are military even when we are not in the uniform. And yes, technically he could start an investigation on that male and there would be nothing wrong (by the rules of the armed forces) with doing so. Whether or not it is morally right...? When that male (who was kissing another male) entered the military he had to sign a document stating that he was not gay. The whole "don't ask, don't tell" thing has nothing to do with this situation. The one who was observing did not ask if he was gay, and the (gay) guy did not tell anyone he was gay. Being caught doing something illegal (to the military or otherwise) on or off duty is still illegal. The punishment varries depending on the individual and who is giving the punishment
2006-08-12 06:34:12 · answer #3 · answered by chica123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person no longer has to sign a document saying they are "not gay" this occurred when the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was put in place. To be totally honest here. I hate seeing anyone sucking face in public. I also believe people get too hung up on the "sex" in gay relationships.
I think if a nation is going to get hung up on a sex act, seeing the stereotypical family man stopping for their morning and lunch time prostitute on their way to work is an issue that should get more attention.
2006-08-12 08:57:30 · answer #4 · answered by onlyonemeg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
chica hit it perfectly.....
In the military there is never "off duty time" you are always working and you can be called at anytime to come in without question. With this if you are caught off post kissing someone of the same sex then yes there is the "dont ask, dont tell" policy but by your actions you are telling everyone around you that you are gay.....
2006-08-12 07:38:00 · answer #5 · answered by JB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the military is more relaxed about gay people in the service . i am not gay ,but i will defend him buy saying let it go . what you do on your own time is your business . don't be a selfish tattletale just because you don't approve . no one was hurt and no one job was effected . I'm sure if it was off base he was not trying to get any ones attention .
2006-08-12 10:00:12 · answer #6 · answered by chotpeper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
and who is to say that the person being kissed wasn't a male relative? Lots of families and cultures freely show affection amongst the males in that manner.
2006-08-12 11:34:55 · answer #7 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Warning, Will Robinson, Danger, Danger" Another idiot linking to 'Stupid Videos R Us' instead of thinking for himself.
2006-08-12 08:35:49 · answer #8 · answered by kristycordeaux 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋