US Military has "don't ask/don't tell". Why does the CIA tout a G&L support group on its personnel web page?

Question

I was looking up the CIA for another answer, and I saw the career page a diversity page. There I found mention of the Agency Network for Gay and Lesbian Employees (ANGLE). Here's the site, if you need confirmation: https://www.cia.gov/careers/diversity/cia-diversity-initiatives/affinity-groups.html

If we can allow gay people into the intelligence branch of government, where loyalty and competence are the primary requirements, how can we possibly justify not allowing gay folks to openly serve in the military?

I'm aware of the organizational separation of the CIA and the Pentagon.

However, each has as its core mission the security of the US.

It seems to me that, if espionage can align itself with fair play & human rights, there is no reason the military should be less so.

Answer 1

Since each branch makes its own rules, and is made up of distinct groups of people, they end up having different policies.

Yes, it's ridiculous that gay people can be in the CIA and FBI and State Department but not the military. But since there's no central policy that determines how these organizations are run (and there shouldn't be - they're supposed to be kept seperate for a reason), that's just how things worked out.

Also, one of the unusual quirks of government is that the CIA and State Department tend to be disproportionately liberal, at least in comparison to the rest of the government. Both organizations draw heavily from the Peace Corp. for new officers. They're looking for intelligent, educated, culturally sensitive and diplomatic people who speak multiple languages and are interested in spending much of their lives moving every couple of years and living in 3rd world countries.

The military, on the other hand, is drawing from an entirely different pool of candidates. And it shows.

Answer 2

The CIA is not a branch of the military. And I do not think intelligence and military are an oxymoron terms when joined together.

Answer 3

Because it doesn't make any sense. Yep, that's our government. I've always wanted to work for the CIA... I think it'd be "fun" or maybe even "cool".

Answer 4

Different branch. Gays are considered dangerous and deceiving, because of the whole "closet" issue. Lies and betrayal.

That's why it's better to come out.

Answer 5

the cia doesnt follow the u.c.m.j. manual.
which hasnt been modified ever. that is why
cia can have gays and the military can not have gays.

Answer 6

First, the CIA is not the military. Second, the CIA needs homosexuals just like they need interpreters, code breakers, blacks, Asians, etc. If they need to infiltrate the gay community for surveillance, they need homosexuals to do it.

Answer 7

CIA members dont all shower together, but i could be wrong.

Answer 8

because we are based on a fear based nation

rights should be across the board irregardless of gender and sexuality or religion

my spouse says gay rights are equally women's rights

Answer 9

Research "sexpionage."

Answer 10

That is unbelievable. That makes absolutely no sense. Wow.

A star for you for your investigative work.