homosexuals in the united states military, would you?

Question

if the us government gave up the don't ask, don't tell policy and implemented an open policy, would you join?

i just gave an answer that made me a little nostalgic on reports and such i had given in high school and one was on the don't ask, don't tell policy and i was curious if you would join if you could be openly gay and were guarenteed that there would be serious repurcussions for any violence against you based on your sexual orientation?

i realize there are gays in the military even now, sheesh, my gay cousin was in until he started having epileptic siezures. what i want to know is if you would be more inclined to join being able to be OPEN about your sexuality.

no restrictions based on sexual orientation (but women can be seals, it's not a requirement by the navy that seals be male)

Answer 1

As someone who lost a wonderful career in the USAF, all on hear say and no solid proof and happened long before "Don't ask, don't tell," Yes, I would rejoin. I love my country and those I served and protected.
There is a small problem with me rejoining now-I'M OVER THE HILL! So, as your question has brought back fond memories, it has also brought the sadness that too many gays face when they are outed in the military.
They have fought and died to keep this country and other countries free but like the returning Viet Nam vets are maligned here at home.

Answer 2

I spent 20 years in the military, retiring in '92, I can say from experience that there were openly gay people serving the whole time. If they were good enough at their jobs we didn't care. There will never be a time when the law can protect an unpopular minority. Before the perpetrator of a hate crime can be punished he first has to have a jury convict him, all it takes to let him walk is one bigot on the panel. The only way to change society is through education, when enough people know the lies for what they are social attitudes will change, then the existing laws will be enough, because they will actually be enforceable.

Answer 3

Ok there are lots of homesexuals in the military or at least in the navy there is. Its kinda hard to say, Im not prejudice againt homosexuals, but like they say females cant be navy seals cause they are afraid of the sexual feelings that the males would have and it would affect the job, how would that work if there was an open policy to homosexuals, would they be restricted to certain jobs like females are??

Answer 4

if that policy didnt exist i might have tried to stay in, and relcass into a different MOS. and for those people that keep saying that gays are already serving. everyone knows this but she wants to know would you join now if you could be you and not have to hide it

i think the policy should go away and the military allow people to serve openly, i also think that a significant other should be able to be covered under the medical inssurance. why shouldnt we have those same rights?
no one should have to hide their true selves for a job

Answer 5

No, I probably wouldn't join if the don't ask don't tell policy was finally pulled. However, I do think that I should get to choose whether or not to join the military, not the government.

Answer 6

I'd like to have the chance to. I mean, abstractly, I want to have the ability to join if that were to be my wish. Freedom and Equality.

Would I join? You know, not right now because I think that we're fighting an war predicated on trumped-up lies. But, if they asked me to join after 9-11, probably. All that said, however, they'd put me to work in the kitchen because that's where I'm best at!

Answer 7

I served proudly for 14 years in the USAF and earned the rank of Major. I am a patriot. I have served proudly even before don't ask don't tell. I left the military because don't ask don't just doesn't work. If they changed this and I was still eligable for service I would re-enlist and serve proudly and distinghed once again.

Answer 8

Until folks in our society change their ways of thinking, it is impossible, in the military, or pretty much anywhere else, where people can be openly gay and have guarantees against "serious repercussions for violence. . ."

With the lack of love and understanding in this world of ours, it is a dangerous place for ANYONE who does not fit the "status quo." Sadly, that seems to change from time to time, place to play; but, hey, what a wonderful dream! I can only imagine!

Answer 9

I knew lots of Gays in the military. Some were good troops some were not. Just like anyone else. I never noticed it making any difference. The one or two that told me I was cute I said thank you to and told them that alas I was straight. The laughed and went about their business.

Answer 10

Okay this is a huge hypothetical for me because im not exactly military material... too independent minded and pacifistic. But probably more inclined than now. That whole myth that we can't keep our eyes and hands to ourselves is such a load of crap.