A former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff said that it was time that gays be allowed to serve openly in the military. We have gays in the Army now. As a current commander in the Army, I am of the opinion as long as they show to work and do their job-it is fine by me. What are your opinions?
2007-01-18 08:27:09 · 15 answers · asked by Damn Good Dawg 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Maybe I should rephrase my question-Would gays feel comfortable serving openly in the military? I am just wondering about that first guy or girl that takes that step once it is allowed.
2007-01-18 08:34:03 · update #1
I was USAF for 10 years, I worked in Military Pay customer service. I was never a problem for any of my commanders, in fact I have recieved numerous squadron awards and numerous decorations for my serivce. Not once did I embarass myself or any of my bosses or commanders because of my sexuality. I had one commander pull me to the side one day and she flat out asked me if I was gay and I was honest and said yes. She told me then and there that I was making a difference in changing her opinions.
I served honorably and with a great deal of pride. I loved knowing that I was doing a small part to help our country and I would have layed my life on the line to defend my comrades or the civilians we were protecting.
During the flood of 1993 in St Louis I was deployed to help local communities and after the OKC bombing I was deployed to help clear the rubble and serch for survivors and bodies.
I never once brought shame to my uniform or my rank.
2007-01-18 08:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
No, they should not change the policy. A person's sexual orientation should not be an issue and it it's not an issue why discuss it? If you are old enough to be in the military, you should be mature enough to deal with this situation but sadly some people aren't so, it would be a good idea to keep it the way it is. Also, in the military, women and men are housed seperately, right? This is for a reason, right? So if gay men and women serve openly, do we need to house them seperately? It's a much more complicated issue than it should be but the don't ask, don't tell policy keeps it pretty simple.
2016-05-24 04:25:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be difficult for some people at first, but then I've heard stories about units where it's an open secret and no one has a problem with it. As for whether or not I'd personally feel comfortable serving...I personally wouldn't really join the military anyway. Compound that with the fact that I'd be defending a country in which I still don't have other equal rights...I wouldn't be down with that, but not for the reasons you'd think. I in no way look down upon or think poorly of anyone (specifically other queer people) who don't agree with me.
2007-01-18 09:19:16 · answer #3 · answered by Atropis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother-in-law is a Lt. Col. and says he has always known gays in the military. He is of the opinion (and I agree with him) that having the Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue ban is harmful because the soldiers who happen to be gay spend so much time hiding who they are that it detracts from their work and training. It should also be noted that the US Army discharged 26 Arabic and Farsi linguists from 1998 to 2004 because they happened to be gay, and I think that actions like that do little to help the US.
As far as gays wanting to serve, it's obvious that gay people do want to serve and even lie about themselves in order to serve their country.
2007-01-18 09:16:29 · answer #4 · answered by χριστοφορος ▽ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you have an excellent attitude as a personnel manager, and that others would do the Army well to behave the same way.
People are people. They do their jobs. What they do in bed is not a factor in their work performance. Discrimination is wrong on so many levels.
I would be fine at serving in a military that so clearly supported ALL people. However, that is not my career path.
Good question!
2007-01-18 08:32:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is long overdue.
Its a shame the military is only considering this due to recruiting shortfalls but hey I will overlook that to get further down the road to equality.
Some would feel comfortable and certainly there will be issues that will arise along the way but in the end it will me fine.
Change takes time and does not come without a little pain.
2007-01-18 08:36:27 · answer #6 · answered by Tegarst 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I don't understand why the military would keep the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy in place other then being homophobia.
What, are they scared a gay man is gonna fall in love with an enemy on the battlefield and refuse to shoot him? Are they worry about him falling in love with his own units? Does every heterosexual man become love blind for their female units? Didn't think so. Even if that applies to a few gay men, it doesn't mean it would apply to most of them. If someone can follow orders well, why does it matter who they choose to love?
2007-01-18 08:38:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course they should be allowed! The only reason why they are barred to serve openly is because of homophobia.
I would've considered joining the military when I was in my late teens.
2007-01-18 08:34:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course LGBT Americans should be able to serve openly in the armed forces. I myself have no interest in a military career, but for those who would choose it, there is no reason to believe that competent personnel who are also LGBT couldn't be excellent soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen. The absurdity is a terribly overstretched, understaffed military expelling competent servicemembers for their sexual orientation.
2007-01-18 08:32:27 · answer #9 · answered by snowbaal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is about time! there is no good reason for homosexual people to not serve in the military. they are just as american as the rest of us! it is nice to see a commander think that this is a good idea. frankly, i thought the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was ridiculous. i am incredibly glad that they can serve their country just like everyone else
2007-01-18 10:39:31 · answer #10 · answered by happyinblue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋