Don't Ask Don't Tell

[Paladin D]

My thoughts on the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy are mixed. Homosexuals have always been in the military in one fashion or another, they just couldn't parade around in public about it. So in that respect, at least I'll know who to watch out for when I'm in a foxhole (yet again, could be a downside since I'll worry more about him than the enemy). The downside however to all this, is the number of adjustments and impractically it'll bring to the military. Would this require separate living facilities? If so, how many heterosexual servicemembers will 'act' gay just so they can get their own living quarters? Would this require separate showers and conditions while we're conducting training in the field for days and weeks at a time? If we aren't going to resort to separate showing facilities, why then can't I shower with females then?

When the Pentagon mailed the survey on this issue to random military members, 70% said that a repeal of the policy will have little to no effect on the operations of the military; however, a separate poll conducted revealed that those serving in direct-combat roles in the Marine Corps and Army are mostly against a repeal of this decision. The reason is that those in combat arms experience different field environments and training to their non-combat arms peers. I'm not implying that homosexuals cannot control their sexual poise around those of their gender, but it certainly doesn't help prevent inappropiate behavior by subjecting them to maybe having to "spoon" or squeeze in foxholes or tents to keep warm. I know if I had to live closely with females and sleep right near them, temptations could run high from both parties. Sexual harassement still applies to homosexuals too, so don't think that it's free-game for them to do whatever they want to whoever they want without consequences.

I'm afraid the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy will have more negatives that will follow, than positives for the military from a practical, financial, and in some ways morale standpoint. Being a 11B (Infantryman) Paratrooper, if it so happens that I'm stuck in the same spot under heavy fire with another soldier who is gay, I won't care as long as he does his job well and doesn't let his sexuality get in the way of his duties. There is a lot of fear in the Infantry of what is going to happen as a result to this major change, and some of them are outright furious about it.

Edited December 25, 2010 by Paladin D