Gays in the Military---Dont Ask, Dont Tell

Vulchor

I believe I am for the repeal of this for many different reasons. But, I have also heard some arguements as to why Dont Ask Dont Tell should remain...and have thought it was at least a decent argument. Curious as to what the BOTLs here may feel about this...especially you guys who served in the military and may know this first hand. I have no ultra strong opinion on this, but would like some opinions and maybe some devils advocate even as a way to explore this further if anyone is interested.

fla-gypsy

I am on the fence on this one. I can see where it would make some soldiers uncomfortable but I am sure there are much more serious matters that make soldiers uncomfortable aside from this one like being shot at. If this is changed, do they get housed with the same sex? or is some special provision supposed to be made for them? Will it cause issues with straight soldiers that are housed in close quarters? Since I am straight as an arrow I have know idea how this would be dealt with or how the homosexual mindset works. Personally I don't care what you want to lay with but I do see where it could cause some problems. Vulchor, I bet you didn't expect that from an ultra-conservative, did you?

Vulchor

Actually gypsy I cant peg answer on this one to anyone, lol---its difficult. I see where your coming from and have some similiar feelings. I do not think any special provision should be made for them and dont think one will. I think to believe every gay guy is gonna want all the guys there is not true...lord knows the opposite way, not every woman I knew wanted me (few infact did, lol)....but like it or not homophobia does play a role here. What size role and what impact it has, I guess is the question. To me it seems that if I trust the guy to have my back and he does his job----I dont know what the issue is, but I dont know if its that simple or not.

Nick2021

I'm not sure how many responses you will get from the military side due to the politics involved. However, I do believe it will have an impact on other areas of operations/regulations which would definitely need to be addressed. For example, if gays are allowed to serve openly in the military, what will the impact be with male/male & female/female relationships? Take barrack guidelines for example...currently, we prohibit males from being in female rooms and females being in male rooms...will this same standard be extended to gays? How would you enforce such a policy? I know it sounds like a simple/easy thing to fix (maybe even a little irrelevant in most people's eyes), but this is one of many concerns some service members have already brought up. I think this policy will have an impact on many areas, and with the high ops tempo & deployment bands we're on right now, I think this should be shelved until a future date. When that date might be....who knows..... but with the amount of issues we're dealing with I can't imagine trying to tackle this issue now. Currently I'm in Iraq, and we're having such a tough time trying to work certain issues it's almost impossible to keep up with everything...I can't imagine the resources needed to tackle this area.

Nick2021

fla-gypsy:

I am on the fence on this one. I can see where it would make some soldiers uncomfortable but I am sure there are much more serious matters that make soldiers uncomfortable aside from this one like being shot at. If this is changed, do they get housed with the same sex? or is some special provision supposed to be made for them? Will it cause issues with straight soldiers that are housed in close quarters? Since I am straight as an arrow I have know idea how this would be dealt with or how the homosexual mindset works. Personally I don't care what you want to lay with but I do see where it could cause some problems. Vulchor, I bet you didn't expect that from an ultra-conservative, did you?

You beat me to it gypsy...just posted my response before I saw yours!

dennisking

I know that a popular thing for some Gay peeps to do is go to the gym and hit the showers. That would be like me showering in the Women's locker room, except for the screaming and vomiting by all the ladies at my hairy fat self. Either way, most Gay Men I know are respectful of other peoples personal sexual choice and aren't going to hit on them or push the issue with anyone. With that said, if someone wants to join the Military and serve our Country, more power to them, Gay, Straight, or whatever.

NYHCx516x

These Filthy Hands

The only issue that I could see with gays in the military would be homophobia. If someone who was extremely homophobic, to the point of violence towards gay people that could cause a whole lot of problems within the squad. Other than that, I see no wrong in gay people wanting to serve in the military. It's honorable, everyone should be able to make that choice of fighting for our country freely. Just like they made the choice of coming out. They should not be punished for this if it's something that they feel strongly about.

Vulchor

And isnt the homophobia...to the point of violence...the fault of that person? Should they be the one punished...or should the openly gay person be punished by not being allowed to join as be themsevles?

These Filthy Hands

Vulchor:

And isnt the homophobia...to the point of violence...the fault of that person? Should they be the one punished...or should the openly gay person be punished by not being allowed to join as be themsevles?

It is the fault of that person. I'm saying that it isn't right to punish gay people who want to join the military.

lilwing88

I personally don't think it matters what anyone who is not a service member's opinion is....... I don't serve in the military, therefore I have no opinion. I think this is best left up to the leaders of the four branches (who all unanimously oppose the repeal, btw) and the service men and women themselves to decide. They're the ones risking their lives.

PuroFreak

ejenne87

ejenne87

Just to be clear, that entire post was not in response to These Filthy Hands, just the first little bit. The rest of it is simply my thoughts and beliefs on the issue.

JZ

dennisking:

I know that a popular thing for some Gay peeps to do is go to the gym and hit the showers. That would be like me showering in the Women's locker room, except for the screaming and vomiting by all the ladies at my hairy fat self. Either way, most Gay Men I know are respectful of other peoples personal sexual choice and aren't going to hit on them or push the issue with anyone. With that said, if someone wants to join the Military and serve our Country, more power to them, Gay, Straight, or whatever.

I for one wouldn't mind showering in the ladies room! LOL

Jetmech_63

Vulchor

dennisking

Diamondog

JZ:

I for one wouldn't mind showering in the ladies room! LOL

Got to take the BAD with the good lol

Amos Umwhat

fla-gypsy:

I am on the fence on this one. I can see where it would make some soldiers uncomfortable but I am sure there are much more serious matters that make soldiers uncomfortable aside from this one like being shot at. If this is changed, do they get housed with the same sex? or is some special provision supposed to be made for them? Will it cause issues with straight soldiers that are housed in close quarters? Since I am straight as an arrow I have know idea how this would be dealt with or how the homosexual mindset works. Personally I don't care what you want to lay with but I do see where it could cause some problems. Vulchor, I bet you didn't expect that from an ultra-conservative, did you?

I couldn't say it any better than this. +1