Will lifting the ban on gays be helpful for meeting the president's goal of expanding the army?

Question

Some top former and current military brass seem to think the time is coming for this to happen. http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/02/gays.military.ap/index.html

Answer 1

It might. It's also right. As Barry Goldwater said: "A soldier doesn't have to be straight, he only has to shoot straight".

For those of you who don't know, I'm a Neocon.

Answer 2

There is no ban on gays. There is the "Don't ask, don't tell", thing which means gays can join but it cannot be a factor in the soldier's joining or not being allowed to join. The problem is not "rules" especially but the culture of the military makes it difficult for them to thrive in the environment. People can be very mean to them and unfortunately, they get away with it.
By the way-There have always been gays in the military. My dad was in the military back in the 60's and he says that there were gays in his troop but it just was not discussed. I think it is the same today, there are probably quite a few gay people in t he military right now, but they need to hide it.
There was an entire army of gay men. They were nearly indefeatable.

Answer 3

Come on Gays have been in the military since the 70s. There will always be gays in the military. Not openly, but they are all over the military.

Answer 4

There is no ban on gays. There is a ban on being openly gay. In other words, hitting on, flirting with, and otherwise fraternizing with your fellow soldier, prancing around all femme, speaking like a street-walking hooker who has given one too many bjs...

(boo! boo! evil man points out awful gay stereotypes!)

Listen. I have no problem with gays. Worked with plenty, known enough to not be homophobic. But just like trampy women who dress like whores and flirt wayyy too much (and that's heterosexual women) certain behavior is just unacceptable no matter WHAT orientation you may be.

Every time I see a gay dude acting all femme or whatever I try and explain I am not a bigot, but they shouldn't do that.

What? Am I not allowed to criticize gay people just like any other group? If anything, I'm being INCLUSIVE by treating them no differently than straights. Maybe it's the rest of you who have the problem.

Bottom line: Gay, straight, or castrated, just don't act like a jerk.
That's all. Can you handle that? Or has the touchy-feely police gotten to you already?

Answer 5

Hell no. I would of never joined if they let Gays in. Are policy is fine enough. Don't ask don't tell. I sure don't want the same sex starring at me in the shower.

Answer 6

a quote from the late and great bill hicks comes to mind: "anyone dumb enough to want to join the millitary should be allowed in... when did the millitary become a moral barometer? aren't they hired killers?... 'i don't want any homos around me while i'm killing children'"

Answer 7

Wars would never be won if an army of gay men entered the army.

Answer 8

I guess so. But then again, the sudden influx of gays in the military will discourage the straights' from joining.

Answer 9

I don't believe so. Not that many gay people would want to join and I think the troops that would want to get out because of it would offset any gain.

Answer 10

How much of the population do you think is gay, for crying out loud? If you hate Bush, just say so! Don't be affraid!

Answer 11

The don't ask, don't tell policy is still in effect. If you're not asked and you don't tell, where is the ban?