Don't ask / don't tell is it time for change?
i served in the USMC before dadt back in the bad old days of the witch hunt. at the time i saw this policy as a definite improvement. is it time for this policy to be scrapped?
by 
purplepickleater
ANSWERS: 28
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I don't think this policy was ever a good idea to begin with. As anyone who is LGBT basically has to lie in order to serve, it's not fair. If you are found out, you're still out of the military. Times have changed. Sure, there are still the ignorant bigots out there, but most of us don't have to hide who we are anymore. We should be able to be ourselves and serve in the military openly, if we so choose.
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Yeah, I definitely think it's time to scrap it. If I person is really willing to lay down his life for his country, why should it matter what he chooses to do in the privacy of his own bedroom? I mean, if you find two same-sex people having sex while serving, well, that's another story, but it shouldn't be the same-sex part that's important, just the sex in general part, you know? Anyway, my point is... I don't think it should matter.
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Yes, it is time to do away with it. and Gen. Shalikashveli agrees.
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get rid of that offensive rule
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to quote dennis leary "If you're in the army, the navy, any branch of the armed forces... you can f**k whoever you want!"
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YES! its' time for it to go!! One of Clintons biggest mistakes was DADT. I don't think he did it out of malice or anything liek that at all.. i beleuev it was with good intention, but it's time to move forward and give the military the same laws to abide by everyone else does.
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It needs to be done away with, but so do the regulations against being gay in the military. Once we accept gay marriage and accept that homosexuality is not a crime but a way of life, and people accept that, we can do away with that policy. What needs to happen first is that a policy of religious "don't ask, don't tell" needs to be adopted first.
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My friend was in the army and he says they still ask you anyway, by asking indirect questions like "Do you have a girlfriend?" and "Where does she live?" and "What's her name?" I've never been in the military, but the only reason I think they should get rid of a policy like this would be to replace it with a rule that sexuality doesn't matter.
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Progress has been made, so it does make sense to make more progress to achieve equality for all.
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The military is a closed society. I will let them make their own rules and impose the rules of general society onto them. They are not IBM or Home Depot. It is not a "job" or a beaurocratic department in the government. If you don't like the rule, don't join.
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I think anyone who wants to serve this country, should be able to. I think the don't ask/don't tell rule started so people can serve, but the question still remains how to regulate certain things. Women don't bunk w/men. So how are straight men supposed to feel about a gay man cheking out his stuff, how do you house people of the same sex and not make anyone uncomfortable. Everyones focus is on the feelings of the homosexuals, but what about the feelings of a straight man forced to bunk with a gay man. I imagaine it would be as uncomfortable as a woman forced to bunk with a man.
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Yes. Its not right you have to pretend to be someone your not in order to serve in the army.
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I served in the USMC also. i think joining is an option. not a demand. if you dont want to go by their rules, then do not join. its not for everyone.
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I don't see why it matters ..as long as they keep their "tools" in their pants.
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This policy is junk! People should not be judged by sexual orientation!
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I think it's definitely wrong for any man or woman to flaunt their sexuality in the workplace, especially in the army. But I also don't think that it's right for a gay person to have to hide their orientation. But they SHOULD be reprimanded if they sleep with a colleague, just like the heteros in the army are.
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Nowadays, many people are open about their sexuality with their units, and even their superiors. Sometimes it makes no difference, because the demand for troops is too high. I even know someone who tried to be discharged by saying they were gay... the response was something like "what do we care, get back to work". Apparently that happens a lot. Using military communication technology, such as internet access, is usually what gets people kicked out for being gay. When there is written or electronic proof (ie proof that selective hearing can't block), the military may take action. Simply saying "I am gay" won't do anything. Yes, the policy needs to be scrapped because it is not enforced in a homogeneous fashion. But, the best replacement policy is far from clear. Concerns for straight officers feeling uncomfortable are real and substantial, as are concerns for homosexual officers being harassed. The military wants to keep as many people as possible at the smallest cost... a new policy would have to appeal to both sides, maximize troop numbers, and minimize cost. How can we do that?
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If you want to fight and die for your country, then I say why not? If you're a warm body that can follow orders and shoot straight (no pun intended!) then you should be able to sign on the same dotted line that I can!
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It's time for a change. We have come into the 21st century and being gay in the militarry or out of the military should be no big deal. These are enlightened times, and they should come into the new century.
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Honesty is the best policy! Say what you want and do what you feel as long as you fully understand the consequences behind your decisions.
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Don't ask, don't tell is good for everyone. How did it get to be anyone else's business what your sexual preferences, practices, and partners were anyway? What do you want them to do, stamp their heads HOMOSEXUAL? Maybe we could put slashes above the left eybrow of how many sexual partners people had, what race they were, how old they were, and above their right eyebrow how many times people mastrabate. Probably make it easier when it came time to vote. LOL!
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As a military dependent i have met homosexuals in the military. They know the rules before they go into the military, so if they don't like them then they should not be enlist. The rule is to stop sexual relationships from happening in the dorms. For instance say you are a sharing a room or showers with homosexuals and you know they are. Are you going to feel comfortable. I wouldnt feel comfortable with showering with woman i do not find attractive. In order to change that rule more housing arrangements would have to be made, which ultimatly costs money and the military is already struggling with money due to the war why waste it.
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All types of discrimination should be scrapped. In fact, we ought to have the type of military depicted in Robert Heinlein's novel "Starship Troopers", which was required to accept anyone who wanted to enlist.
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I think the policy will remain in place, even though its not favored by most of the people here. I served with gays in the Army who were scared to death they would be found out. Yes, they kept it to themselves all the time they were in the barracks (they call it a dorm in the Air Force). While it doesn't matter, part of the psychology of war is the act of brainwashing the troops to know who the enemy is. Ask an active duty Marine this question, particularly an infantryman. See what he says... You could also ask an Army infantryman and probably get the same answer...
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It is high time to get rid of such disgusting, offensive, vicious and inhuman actions. Be a man, remain a man, never bring disgrace to your dignity.
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Several great generals, including Alexander the Great, were at least bisexual and many, including Richard the Lionhearted were 100% gay. What possible difference could it make?
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In all honesty, having served in the Army I would not care either way. All I would care about is if that person did their duty and we worked together to keep each other alive in combat. Man, women, gay or what, it's about survival. I want to serve next to someone who will do their duty. It should not be an issue at all. Everybody should be allowed to serve their country as they see fit to do so if they choose.
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Canadians have no problem with gays in the military and we make damn good soldiers
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