Gays in the military?

Question

I had a question about openly gay people serving in the military.

Would the same logic allowing this also compel co-ed barracks? It's a serious question, related to (but not the same as) one I asked earlier.

Seems to me the excuse of "unit cohesion" in the case of racial segregation was easy to overcome. Society decided, quite rightly, that the only "disruption" that would occur if the military were integrated would be to bigots. I'd say the military is one of society's more integrated institutions.

But it seems to me the possible "disruption" here would be the possibility of being in close quarters with someone who is POTENTIALLY sexually interested in you. There's a lot of merit in saying that people should be adults and control themselves - but doesn't that apply to co-ed as well? We don't think heterosexuals are perverts who can't keep their minds off sex, do we?

Again, we don't segregate races (and shouldn't) but we do sexes. Is there an inconsistency there?

Don't try to guess my views. I'm interested in yours!

And if the question offends you, then welcome the opportunity to refute me. Insults are childish!

Thanks Rich - interesting answer.

Answer 1

I don't have anything against gays, but I think the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is as good as it will get. And I think thats best.

The difference between race and gays as far as segreation goes, you don't have to tell anyone your gay. Your race is obvious.

You say that we don't think heterosexuals are perverts who can't keep their minds off sex. A lot of guys are like that. Which is ONE of the reasons co-ed combat units will never be a good idea and I hope it never happens.

I honestly believe the system we have right now is the way it should be.

Answer 2

Thats a problem most peole dont think about..where are you gonna room gay soldiers? With a female? (you would have thousands of "gay" soldiers..) With anothe gay male? ya. With a straight roommate? That wouldnt work.

Look, people need to figure something out. Serving in the Military is an *honor* not a *right*..if you're too tall, too short, too old, too young, too fat, too skinny,whatever, it bars you from military sevice. And it would be disastrous to unit cohesion if openly gay men were allowed to serve, especially in the combat arms. Say what you want, but its all men for a reason. No women, no gays.

You want a 6'3". 200lb guy toting a 80 lb rucksack protecting you. Women arent physically able to do it. (before you start screaming women, how well could *you* handle 30 days without a shower or place to bathe? You cant, its simply a matter of biology)
And say what you want, but ive been there, done that. if you have openly gay soldiers in that environment, bad things will happen. The main thing an infantryman has is trust, trust in the fact that your buddy is doing his job just like you're doing yours. Both your lives depend on it.

Answer 3

Interesting question. As an 11 year Army SSG, I don't know if there is a clear answer. I think a larger issue is the Soldiers, the average age of a Soldier is 22 and they believe themselves to be a mans man. I would be concerned with a gay soldiers safety and the ability to maintain the comaraderie within the ranks. Sexual orientation should not play a part in service.

Back in 94, when "don't ask, don't tell" came out (no pun intended) I thought it was a good idea, gay or straight, who cares. Now, I can see the gay point of view as well, "a straight soldier is walking around post with his girl but, I would have to hide my boy/girlfriend".

My only issue, personally, would be the flamboyant in your face types. If your gay fine... but don't walk around post or town as if your marching in a gay rights parade, you are a professional soldier, maintain your bearing.

Just my 2 cents. I apologize if anyone was offended

SSG. B

Answer 4

Curt's answer is good.
The difference is that your not goin to know right away who is gay, someones sex or race is obvious.

How many sexual assault, harassment or even rape cases would there be if they had co-ed barracks.. it would happen.

With gays in the military, some can go about their business and no one knows.. but with a few people they eventually may get to know very well... well maybe those people eventually learn that that person is gay.
But ya know... at that point , knowing the person well.. if they are a good person and does their job well I bet the others are totally cool with it.
I know damn well that women, especially if I find them attractive, are going to distract me at least at some level, If I am around them alot.

Answer 5

Not getting into the logistics of how to make it work, I think homosexuals will be able to openly serve in the military within the next 15 to 20 years. Right now, the policy makers in the military and gov't are older men. The younger people serving now, who are the future leaders and policy makers don't hold the same taboos towards homosexuals as older people do.

Logistics can always be worked out, refined, and improved upon. It will likely take some trial and errors, but it will happen. You don't not do the right thing just because it will be hard to figure out. You make the effort to do the right thing. I, for one, do not understand how with an all voluntary military, we can turn people away based on sexual preference.

Also, women do not serve in the infantry and artillery because of the inability to have dual standards for physical ability requirements. Currently, for PFT's, there are two standards. One for men, and one for women. In combat units, the standard must be the same across the board. Are there women out there who could meet these standards? Yes. But, they are the exception, not the rule. Policy is based on rules not exceptions. To equate the physical abilities of a homosexual man to a woman is fairly ignorant to me.

So, obviously I am for allowing homosexuals to serve in the military openly. If it means the military has to do some digging to find out how to make it work, then so be it.

Answer 6

There are gays in the military. The unit cohesion that you are talking about is exactly why there is a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

And to that one guy saying that women shouldn't be in the military: You are wrong my friend. Women can go without showers just as long as men. True, we are physically disadvantaged. That's why there aren't any women in the Special Forces (Rangers, Seals, etc.). Women can tote aroundan 80 lb. rucksack. That is what trainingis for.

Answer 7

Unlike the Infantry the Combat Support branches are a bit different. We had a few that were "playing for the other team" and it was not that big of a deal. Of course we also had females in the unit. The old arguments that many use is that they are not welcomed. Well in our unit we gave a rats' 4th Point of contact. The question is if the person can execute. Other questions are in-material.

Answer 8

I'm in the Army, and I don't care. If your main argument is where are they gonna sleep, then you are out of luck. Hell, I've shared lots of tents with females, and somehow found the self control NOT to run over there and start raping them. Wow, how did I control myself? The thought that a gay man would try to hump your leg during COMBAT is ridiculous! Trust me, when there are bullets over your head, I don't care if the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders where on-top of me providing protection, I'd be limp as a noodle.

The weird thing is, homosexuals ARE allowed in the military, they just can't say they are, or act like they are. Now that's discriminatory.

Answer 9

Hubby was in coed barracks in basic in '96. Females on one floor, males on another.

Answer 10

Not allowing gays to openly serve in the military is discrimination.

Its no different than when blacks and females were discriminated against and not allowed to enlist or do certain duties.

Discrimination is discrimination.

Let them serve open and proud.