Do ask do tell!

[scooterbug44]

Well you just made my point as Arkie did.
Exceptions and witch hunts.It all boils down to SAFETY of the soldier.

No, it boils down to your perceptions.

Today there are gay soldiers in a barrack with straight soldiers.
Tomorrow there will be gay soldiers in a barrack with straight soldiers.
(And everyone in those barracks has had an openly gay friend, coworker, or relative.)

Noone's sexual orientation, behavior, or safety changes.
Physical attacks that will get you brought up on charges have not changed.
The only thing that has changed is that being gay is no longer a reason for being kicked out of the military and losing your benefits.

 

[LuciferSam]

I'm failing to see how an atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion leads to greater safety over the small possibility that a straight person might have to occasionally decline the advances of somebody of the same sex. I find it difficult to apply the word "danger" to the latter. I think in most cases, at worst, it would constitute an annoyance, that could be easily remedied through the chain of command. If the person persisted, then he/she simply lacks qualities of professionalism regardless of sexual orientation.

 

[AlphaCrab]

No, it boils down to your perceptions.

Today there are gay soldiers in a barrack with straight soldiers.
Tomorrow there will be gay soldiers in a barrack with straight soldiers.
(And everyone in those barracks has had an openly gay friend, coworker, or relative.)

Noone's sexual orientation, behavior, or safety changes.
Physical attacks that will get you brought up on charges have not changed.
The only thing that has changed is that being gay is no longer a reason for being kicked out of the military and losing your benefits.

Wow. Good work. I'd push for you if they had a place in the President's cabinet for Secretary of Rational Thinking.

 

[Lake View Too]

Bob Gates' rationale for repealing DADT is really important. His premise is that honor is at the core of a soldier's life and his mission; and to force a soldier to lie, and tarnish his honor in doing so, is simply wrong. I'm sorry I can't explain this better, but honor and honesty in a soldier is far more important than anything else for unit cohesion.

 

[Matt J]

The reason the numbers are so much higher in the Army and Marine corps are because these soldiers are in tight living quarters and in a war zone where showers and confined grooming areas are very non discreet.I would imagine straight soldiers knowing who the gay person is in this situation and (he) got a strange look or approach could be harmful to the soldier(s)..I mean we might as well put straight men in the female barracks....it is the same type of example.

Not homophobic but I am telling it like it is.So blast me anyway and add to my negative rep. points.

No, it's due to don't ask don't tell. I'm sure these weren't secret anonymous ballots, the military's not really known for that. From both personal and documented research the highest incidence of homosexuality in the armed forces is the marines.

 

[futurebeachbum]

It would be nice if we could get beyond this, gay marriage, abortion, etc by letting people manage their own private lives as they see fit and focus on solving all of the really hard and dangerous problems that this nation faces.

 

[Zebraspots]

Top military commanders say it won't be an issue and most of the military says it wouldn't be an issue.

So why's it still an issue?

 

[Arkiehawg]

Top military commanders say it won't be an issue and most of the military says it wouldn't be an issue.

So why's it still an issue?

Simple....OLD SCHOOL REPUBLICANS USING IT AS HOSTAGE

 

[AndrewG]

As a woman who has lived in "tight living quarters" with both lesbians and straight males, I fail to see why it's an issue.

Either you are an adult who can act like one, or you aren't. Sexual orientation has nothing to do with it.

Why not get rid of separate mens and womens restrooms and make them all unisex? We can all act responsible right?

 

[AndrewG]

Have you ever been in a situation where you spend several days/weeks in sleeping quarters with gays and females?

I have.

In 30+ years of EMS, I spent a lot of time in close quarters with gay and female Paramedics. In some instances 1:1 sleeping arrangements in a bedroom/office. Not Once did I feel uneasy and not once did any party try to push their sexuality on the other. It's called being a professional.

I strongly believe that the vast majority of our enlisted soldiers are professional enough not to have an issue with someone based on their sexuality. Will there be exceptions. Sure. There are exceptions now with issues associated with aggressiveness do to sex. AND there are severe repercussions associated with those violations.

Clearly you've never served in the military. The Navy was having a major problem with gangs in the ranks. Somehow you think they are professional? They are paid so low they qualify for food stamps some officers included. Your beliefs are very flawed.