Do Ask, Do Tell and I'd Still Be Proud to Serve Our Country With You

I'm not a gay rights activist or speaking on behalf of anybody but myself.  I'm just a military man with an opinion and here's my view homosexuals in the military:

Why Not?

On December 21, 1993, the Clinton Administration issued Defense Directive 1304.26.  In its provisions on homosexual conduct it states that a person's sexual orientation is considered a PERSONAL and PRIVATE matter, and is not a bar to service entry or continued service unless manifested by homosexual conduct.  Applicants for enlistment, appointment, or induction shall not be asked to or required to reveal whether they are heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual and also will not be asked or required to reveal whether they have engaged in homosexual conduct, unless independent evidence is received indicating that an applicant engaged in such conduct or unless the applicant volunteers a statement that he or she is a homosexual or bisexual, or words to that effect.  This is what became known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." 




I highlighted the words personal and private because that's exactly what this is.  It's personal.  It's private.  It's your way of life and who you are away from work place.  At work, everyone should go about their job in a professional manner.  Whether someone is gay, straight, bi, or no preference whatsoever should not affect your ability to do your job or work together with anyone.  It's the same way in the military.  When you put on that uniform, you are expected to live up to and abide by all the values that come with it.  In the Army, they are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.  Shouldn't any able person who has all these values and wants to serve their country be allowed to freely?  Why not I say.  If he or she can meet all the requirements to be a professional soldier regardless of sexual orientation, why can't they stand next to me in a foxhole and defend our country?  Right now in the military if you state that you are gay or evidence is found that shows you are, you will be kicked out.  It doesn't matter if you are one of the best in your unit or the next aspiring leader being groomed at West Point like Katie Miller.  Being gay is a No Go.  But yet I see these stories of soldiers who have served overseas or have served in units where everyone knew they were gay, getting discharged after openly saying they were gay.  You serve your country on the frontlines for a year or two and then upon coming home and the military later finding out your sexual preference, their thanks for your service is kicking you out????  How about a big thank you, a pat on the back, a hug, or a promotion like everyone else receives for a job well done?

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a policy compromise.  Clinton wanted the entire ban lifted while others wanted the ban to remain in effect.  I'm all about compromises and sides giving a little to get a little but this compromise just isn't working in today's world.  It should be either allow people of all sexual orientations in or only heterosexuals.  I'm in favor of eliminating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  I'd much rather know that someone is gay than trying to guess and then seeing all rumors going around a unit and all the drama that goes with that.  I'd also rather not see a fellow comrade who served our nation proudly be kicked out because he is gay.  Supporters of the ban believe having homosexuals in the military affects troop morale and unit cohesion.  Well what do you think happens to troop morale and unit cohesion when you discharge a soldier who is a great leader, person, and one of the best at his job because he is gay?  As long as being gay does not affect you being able to do your job and work well with others in uniform, you should be able raise your right hand and serve your country.  If the soldier gets out of hand with his or her sexual desires, he or she should be handled accordlingly by a supervisor and counseled.  If their advances become a serious problem, then the next step is reporting them and tried under Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) where they can reprimanded and charged with a crime just like any other soldier.  You've desegregated the military.  You've allowed women to serve in many more prominent roles in the military.  In an everchanging world, it's time to adjust fire again and allow the best and brightest regardless of sexual orientation, serve our country openly, proudly, and without fear of being who they are.